it is notjust the middle east, i it is notjust the middle east, even — it is notjust the middle east,even china, it's got off to a very— even china, it's got off to a very rough— even china, it's got off to a very rough start _ even china, it's got off to a very rough start with - even china, it's got off to a very rough start with the i very rough start with the chinese _ very rough start with the chinese in _ very rough start with the chinese in his— very rough start with the - chinese in his administration and — chinese in his administration and it— chinese in his administration and it took— chinese in his administration and it took years _ chinese in his administration and it took years before - chinese in his administrationj and it took years before they were — and it took years before they were able _ and it took years before they were able to _ and it took years before they were able to stabilise - and it took years before they were able to stabilise that. i were able to stabilise that. who— were able to stabilise that. who knows _ were able to stabilise that. who knows if— wer

we've done so through many years through our center for the middle east, through our scowcroft middle east security initiative and iran strategy project as well as through our strategic project hold the iranian regime accountable and establish a syrian victims fund. significantly we have also done this through our n-7 initiative in partnership with the jeffrey palpans foundation which seeks to sans the integration launched by the abraham accords between the united states, israel and arab and muslim partners around the world. thanks to will wexler and the atlantic council's take. history is in motion and you've been at the center of it. with your work to advance the united states to secure a more prosperous global future. as you wrote recently regarding u.s. forbe policy, quote, the choices the united states makes in the second half of this decisive decade will determine whether this remains a time of renewal returns to a time aggression. one last thing before secretary blinken takes the stage. in a moving exchange between you and president biden yesterday at the state department, the

for many years through the career center for the middle east through that middle east security initiativend iran strategy project series strategy project as well as through strategic litigation projects to hold the iranian regime accountable and establish a series victims fund significantly we've also done this there and seven initiative in partnership with the foundations seeks to advance the process of regional integration at lunch by the abraham accords among the unites is, israel, arab partners and muslim partners around the world. thank you to wilt wexler from the remarkable team histories and motion mr. secretary event at the center of your work to advance the interest of the united states, to secure a more prosperous global future as you work recently in foreign affairs regarding u.s. foreign policy more broadly quote the choice of the unites states makes in the second half of this decisive decade will determine whether this moment of testing remains time of renewal returns or time of aggression. one last thing before secretary blinken takes the stage of the stateth department, the

leaders in the middle east know he means what he says.cratic gridlock and focus on tangible results is the game changer. it allows me to approach delicate negotiations with the confidence that the full weight of the united states is behind me. the principles president trump has laid out for our approach to the middle east and foreign policy in general are fourfold and they are clear. one, respect for sovereignty. every nation deserves the right to determine its own destiny free from the interference of external powers. two, economic prosperity as a bridge to stability. through economic partnerships and investment, we can build a foundation for cooperation that transcends historical grievances. three, courageous diplomacy, real progress requires difficult conversations and bold decisions. it is through these that trust is built and maintained. and finally, four, reciprocity and accountability. the united states requires reciprocal actions from our partners. we are done carrying the financial burden for nations that are unwilling [ applause

the middle east is not a wrestling ground for major countries, nor can it become a victim of the geopolitical contest. relevant parties should respect the historical and cultural traditions of middle eastern countries and support these countries including syria and achieving peace and reconciliation and finding it up element that suits the national conditions. we must respect the merits of the matter instead -- and support and assist regional countries finding ways to resolve tensions and conflicts instead of picking fights or creating confrontations. we call upon the international community to step up efforts for an early and lasting settlement of the palestinian question. the palestinian question is the heart of the middle east issue and only when the palestinian question is completely resolved and there be true peace and stability in the middle east. they are national committee should with the race against time sense of urgency reader and the clinical process for the two state solution. president, i would like to congratulate the u.s. in completing the presidency of the council, taking thi

real estate manager from the gulf will say the middle east and boy talking about a stable, middle east is not beyond our reach. she was a major intermediary and securing the seas. 5 deal of courses now underway and a floating to present drums bold vision flows. we had shaped by them, very much claimed credit for the cx. 5 deal, but to it's now, i think generally accepted that faith hits job items and even coming pressure from the company. destruction made it happen as the because it took about expanding the abraham piece of colds in the coming for years and saying that the relations overseas days of blank checks. all right, but let's cross to the white house. mike kind of joins us live from the mike as we watched the scenes of the families of the captives in gaza meeting the union overrated president. tell us what the senses, the about, the incoming presidencies, approach, the foreign policy. i thought it was significant that steve would cost is speaking at this uh, an organization event. uh he is a middle east peace invoice. he is an appointee, so he doesn't require send a confirmatio

the middle east.m the raoutset, the biden administration's primary goal in the middle east was not to repeat the blunder of years past trying to transform government but transform relations with between and among u.s. partners in the region. we saw more integrated region is more likely to be stable and secure. a more integrated region is also in a stronger position to prevent anyone of its neighbors from dominating others. we move swiftly to pursue this issue. we deepen .abraham court spearheaded new coalitions like i to you to bringing together indiana israel and the united states. have announced groundbreaking economic order were tracking indiana. we work for the un, in the wake of the trump administration unilaterally exit from the iran nuclear deal we made clear was a patent which will return to compliance of toronto was going to take the steps necessary. same time, we strengthen american. [inaudible] thank you, i respect your views. [inaudible yelling] so to continue. at the same time, we strengt

there is an underlying problem that has faced every leader in the middle east and every mediator who has attempted to resolve disputes. the difficulty in communication. some weeks ago, about this time, i was standing before an audience on the northern coast of spain, the bay of biscay, and i have been asked to make a speech in spanish. i studied it in the naval academy but the vocabulary i developed in the navy was not suitable to the audience. [laughter] i tried to think of a story that would illustrate the point. i got out of a white house, involuntarily retired -- [laughter] -- i was invited to japan to make a speech. without a fee, they might add. [laughter] i decided to visit a small methodist college in southern japan, kyoto. the audience was nervous to have someone who just left the white house come to their college. the president, the students and their parents were uptight and i thought i will try to put everyone at ease by telling a joke. if you have had a speech translated into japanese, you know it takes longer than in english. i told my joke and an excellent interpreter

and around the middle east and around the middle east and around the world.y successful, lethal response israel has taken against the proxies that are trying to oust the israeli government. i think the israeli government. i think the incoming administration is going to be very supportive of those long—term strategic objectives. it's in the united states' interest and our allies' interest and many gulf states that do not want to see this type of extremism proliferate throughout the middle east as it has. market, very good _ middle east as it has. market, very good to _ middle east as it has. market, very good to talk _ middle east as it has. market, very good to talk to _ middle east as it has. market, very good to talk to you. - middle east as it has. market, | very good to talk to you. thank you for your thoughts here on bbc news. also here from a student in gaza. he told the bbc that locals are excited to go back to their homes, even though they know there won't be much left of them. this is the moment we have been waiting _ this is the moment we have been

we saw in the middle east. who would ever imagine how exciting the abraham accords -- to see the association of israel with so many of the arab countries. this should be continued. i have the perspective. i led the delegation of congress members to the opening of the embassy in jerusalem. the coverage of donald trump. on may 14, 2018. in 1994, speaker newt gingrich had congress passed legislation that would move the american embassy from tel aviv to jerusalem. jerusalem was the only capital the world we did not have an embassy. every time it would come to the attention of a president that they should locate the embassy, the state department would say it would create a dislocation and destabilization in the middle east. it was donald trump that the guts to say promises made, promises kept. there was no destabilization. it was the exact opposite. that was the abraham accords. i'm looking forward to the future of peace through strength. the emissary to the middle east. mike huckabee. heart be still. the ambassador

a stable and prosperous middle east is not in unattainable dream. it is. it is, it is a goal within our reach. so let's take this on with kind of scotsman is a senior fellow and national security ex, but from the c front center in the united states joins is now a from miami. i kind of great to have you with us. so this canceling of sanctions against checklists who are committing violence against palestinians online the settlers legally occupied. what does that tell you about what's to come with trump release policy? well, thank you for having reared again. uh, i think this is an indication of, uh, what was made it really to get men yahoo to agree to the cease fire with the home us. we knew, you know, trouble course putting pressure on it. yeah. hope it. busy certain maybe offered him some incentives to finally agree to the deal with us hostage release. and i think this is something that was promised right. i do think that i'm all to come well it's possible or they're very, i think the, the big issue i think is the normalization. what saturday rate be. i th

for a more peaceful year ahead for the middle east. yet, behind this long-awaited milestone lie the sacrifices of peacekeepers in the region, who have endured deliberate attacks as they valiantly upheld peace. honoring their courage, let me make the following three points. first, we condemn in the strongest possible terms any attacks against peacekeepers and facilities. since last october, the security council has received disturbing reports of dozens of deliberate assaults against peacekeepers in unifil's area of organization. never before have we witnessed such targeted violence against the blue helmets. as a contribute in country, we are deeply alarmed that this may set a dangerous precedent. let us be clear, there is no conceivable justification for deliberately attacking u.s. peacekeepers or missions, which may constitute war crimes. such actions run counter to international law and betray the trust member states play in the u.n.. even if the attack is not deliberate, all parties must refrain from taking actions that may risk the

there has been reporting of president trump's middle east envoy out in regular contact and out thereht now with brett, reporting back to both of us and back to the president-elect and the president as we have a shared mission to get our people out. and to get the middle east, i think, back on track towards stability and towards the next round of abraham accords with normalization or, or, whatever moniker you want to give it. so, there are a number of things that are ongoing. that will not slow down. cyber being another. and then there are areas where we are having, you know, conversations about where do we maybe need to change and go in a different direction? we have had very candid conversations. on things, we tried this, this works, that does not work. if you want to try that you go right ahead. and we probably will. and the american people can then judge. but it is such a unique moment in our history. president trump is a not a year one, president, he is years -- he is year nine. he is been thinking about these issues the last four years. he's already foot on the gas. for a man wh

the second phase is still questionable as it is the middle east. it's only like a match light away from blowing up always. and the only thing predictable about the middle east is it being unpredictable. so we need to try as much as possible. push that. the second phase, with the release of the additional hostages happens as soon as possible, and hopefully both sides will see the benefit of the cease fire and understand that we need to move quickly to a more permanent ceasefire and get the hostages out, as well as also starting to try to give the people of gaza that have been a human shield for this terrorist organization, the humanitarian aid that is also required for them to be able to start beginning and piecing their lives together. >> you mentioned that you and your wife were in doha during these negotiations, and in fact, you've traveled the world. you have been a relentless advocate for your son. so i remember about eta. he was a big basketball fan, right? nba fan, that he was an athlete himself. but tell people about your son. >> yeah. so ju

president morsi o'shea did with the middle east than you. you of course brokered the historic 1978 peace accord between israel and egypt. i wonder if you could talk a little about how you view the situation currently. pres. carter: thank you. good to be here again and be in a library of a man who helped shape my life and for whom i have the greatest admiration and appreciation. when i was governor, and after lyndon johnson left office, i wrote him a personal handwritten letter, i don't know if you still have it or not but if you don't you might want to look it up. i don't imagine they threw it away, when i am not sure about that. [laughter] but if you find it, i would like a copy of it because i handwrote it. i think the middle east is still the intention box for the whole world. i say that recognizing that there are other places that are threatening to erupt. and i include the middle east in its totality, all the way in including lebanon of course, but also pakistan. when i think what he referred to primarily is between israel and its neigh

leaders in the middle east know he means what he says.e confidence and full weight of the united states behind me. the principles president trump has laid out for our approach to the middle east and foreign policy in general are fourfold and they are clear. one, respect the sovereignty. every nation deserves the right to determine its own destiny free from the interference of external powers. two, economic prosperity as a bridge to stability. through economic partnerships and investment, we can build a foundation for cooperation that transcends historical grievances. three, courageous diplomacy. real progress requires difficult conversations and bold decisions. it is through these that trust is built and maintained. and finally, four, reciprocity and accountability. the united states requires reciprocal actions from our partners. we are done carrying the financial burden for nations that are unwilling -- [applause] we are done carrying the financial burden for nations that are unwilling to fund their own progress. the days of blank checks

so the middle east was in flame. uh, already uh, you know, before this, the events in syria and the year you know, what came to a close and, and the conflagration of the middle east will only continue into the next year. i think that syria is most likely to become both a failed and properly a fractured state. i syria will now be the humpty dumpty who fell off the wall. busy and all the king's horses are all the hedge minds, horses and all the hedge mind man will not be able to put syria back together again . i think it is very likely that the stabilisation from syria will extend at least into lab and on and a rack potentially further abroad. i think we will see increased direct, an open conflict between israel and the us on one side and iran on the other. you know, look for. busy for air strikes on on, um uh, e, ron's nuclear facilities which iraq is real, is now salivating about now that they're so happy that all of syria's air defense has disappeared overnight and then yahoo has been openly talking about it. i thin

i'll stop you about more from the former advisor on middle east issues. the foreign policy chief obvious loaner. after this break, the plug it back to going underground. i'm still here with us decrypt for the british diplomat and founder and going director of the baby based conflicts for him. how starting part one, you were talking to me about this yesterday and not having a foreign policy control in iran? i mean arguably, i mean i lived in tyrone. he does have power to resign at any rate, but as regards and i should also add as regards to what he wrote chest, so it goes to the side of the national security of his teachers as a true. so maybe he will have a choice. i don't know, but there's a lot of, i mean it's a very lead scroll to issue, but i just wonder on the line. i mean it, ron is not alone in the style. lemme which i did rush, i give them bad advice, reflected rush, i give them bad advice. me sure. stood by me just to make sure you know the day before as well. you know, russia has had had the same dilemma and during the war and the great, and the

then we sat on a sofa, and i began to explain to him my dreams of peace in the middle east. i began to recognize the attribute attributes of this man that made him great. he was calm, self-assured, had a far-sighted awareness of global interrelationships. it was obvious that he was bold. didn't lack any political courage required. we explored some ideas. there were some things he said would never happen in his lifetime. he said we might see israeli ships going through the suez canal, but there would never be an exchange of ambassadors. but when he left, i made a public statement that one of my aides wrote out for me from the official text. that a bright shining light came into my life with the visit of a singular man. i wanted him to help me break the ice that had frozen over in between wars. there had been four wars between egypt and israel in the last 25 years. and i asked anwar sadat if he would be helpful. he said yes. later, i hadn't made any progress, because a very conservative israeli was elected to prime minister. actually, it happened before. and i didn't see much

iran is in the weakest position it's been in the middle east in decades.n we went back to the table in december, hamas for the first time was ready to accept the may framework and begin to release hostages. it wasn't until early january they approved the hostage list and that's how we got to the list today. >> how are the american hostages doing? >> keith will come out in phase one. segi will come out in day one. edan is phase two. we are exited, i think you heard this from mike walz, we've been working seamlessly with the transition team. this is a testament to president biden and donald trump. we've been working to get this done. we are committed to getting edan out as early as possible. i spoke with edan's father just last night. >> so, prime minister netanyahu described this overnight as a temporary cease-fire. he says he has permission to begin fighting as needed. do you believe he sees this as just a strategic pause or that he actually wants to end this war? >> the way the deal is structured on day 16, negotiations begin for phase two. phase two will

iran is in the weakest position it's been in the middle east in decades.h he go back to the table in december hamas for the first time, for the first time, was ready to accept the may framework and begin to release hostages. it wasn't until early january that they actually approved the hostage list and that's how we got to the result today. >> do we know keith siegel, chen and alexander how they are doing. >> keith will come out in phase one, segui will come out in phase one, edan will be phase two. we've been working with the incoming team. this is a testament to president biden and president trump allowing us to work together. i've work with steve witkoff over the last week, a partnership i think historic to help get this one. >> trump's envoy. >> we are committed to getting edan out as early as possible. i spoke to his father just last night. >> prime minister netanyahu described this overnight as a temporary ceasefire and he says he has permission to begin fighting as needed. do you believe he sees this as just a strategic pause or that he actually wan

a break in the middle east as israel and hamas a cease-fire with devastating 15-month war in gaza.lo, sandra smith in new york, hi, john here just me when this is a day we have waited for for a long time and john roberts in washington. this is "america reports." painstaking negotiations and releasing dozens of hostages held by hamas for palestinian prisoners currently in israel. president-elect trump weighing in on tweets social, "we have a deal for the hostages in the middle east and they will be released shortly. thank you." >> sandra: you will remember live during mar-a-lago just last week president-elect trump filed there would be, "hell to pay if the hostages were not freed before election day." >> john: live with more tel aviv and talking with the trump team, they believe the deal would go through but the question is, what happens next? >> john, good afternoon. a source briefed on the talks confirmed that a cease-fire and hostage deal has been reached. can we do have more details what happen in the final moments. the prime minister directly involved and go hot and the negotia

but middle east always seems to be on selection point of some kind or another. here we are again, as i said, israel has managed to accomplish strategically. um and the last 15 months, and especially in the last 3 months, things that we never thought would be would be possible and given years. so it's going to take really a droid diplomacy. and some restraint on israel's part to make to take full advantage of this. and it's going to take in gauge month. it's going to take money . it's going to take leadership from the trump administration to bring together international partners to help stabilize each of these situations. i worry that the trump administration is kind of alien to this type of effort that it's going to be require. trump himself, of course, famously tweeted, don't get involved in all caps, referring to syria, they're not our friend, not our flight. well, how do you think he sees the west bank? okay, i'm afraid that he sees the westbank israel's problem to solve. and what we've seen over the last 15 months with the increase in violence, including shu

first policies, policy decision on the middle east, east council functions, the by the ministration to put in place. some jewish settlers who committed violence against punish things and they'll depend westbank any of traumas, middle east and voice. the woodcock was the 1st person to address the crowd of the capital one arena, introduced the president highlighting trumps, middle east. i'm form policy plants of this leadership provides the confidence and direction necessary to navigate these complexities. as we move forward, my commitment is to continue to the work of advancing president trump's vision for the middle east. whether it's ro expanding the abraham peace accords, fostering economic development, or facilitating dialogue, which we long standing adversaries. my focus remains on action with actionable results. let me close by saying this. a stable and prosperous middle east is not in unattainable dream. it is. it is, it is a goal. within our reach, the government is a senior fellow and a national security expert from this to funds send for the united states. he told, obviously,

is this the or d'oeuvre on the menu for the middle east for 20? 25. is this the some the beginning of something a developing trend? because there is so many moving pieces, we have a has the law that is still vulnerable, a b. i can't remember the last time living on had a real government. and if the is re lease with american backing and x, the west bank. um uh we're gonna have a huge refugee problem. going into jordan. jordan has already packed full of people that are refugees. and we have no idea what the series, what the, what used to be called syria is going to look like. and then we have a rack is input, apply even it ran. so i've kind of said a lot of pieces on the board move, whichever one you want to go ahead mark. yeah. so in the middle east was inflame already, you know, before this, the events in syria and the year, you know, what came to a close and, and the conflagration of the middle east will only continue into the next year. i think that syria is most likely to become both a failed and properly a fractured state. i syria will now be the

in the heart of the middle east on the day 38 years ago. the well did confirmation of these rails may be 200 nuclear weapons. good to see the usa apartheid side of africa. and one of the hollywood store film produces israel has to this day no, come clean. the new k, a whistle blower motor kind of a new new would be honey draft and kid that from london by room for his revelations before decades on torture in his riley prison. the world today tends to the prospect of the use of those nuclear weapons by u. s. u k. u back to israel. this after a run, finally retaliated for the gaza genocide. the test run this as a nation of palestine chief negotiator attacks on their radiant diplomats and the killing of thousands and babies to a res iconic, lebanese resistance lead to how side less route i would circle. genocide, jo, all the cause. tyra's, now presiding over millions, display skilled a wounded, mostly women and children right across this region. i'm joined now from rome by alice to cook. you k, diplomat in full day you foreign policy chief advi

hello side, steve with coffee, his invoice to the middle east. my spokesman said trump should make more disappearing. the diplomatic statements, not the groups, conditions, remain the same. an end as well as one goes to those houses are back, i don't want to virginia go. she ation and then i'd back by the time i get into office all hell will break out in the middle east and it will not be good for a mouse. and it will not be good frankly, for anyone all hell will break up. i don't have to say it anymore, but that's what it is. and they should have given them back a long that they should have never taken well with costs trumps new invoice. in the middle east says he's on the beat off to a turning from the latest round the negotiations on the potential see spot deal. i think that we've had some, uh some, some really great progress and i'm really hopeful that by the inaugural will have some good things to announce on behalf of the president. i actually believe that we're working in tandem in a really good way, but it's the president, his reputation,

50. is and what do you think his middle east agenda is? so, as ou middle east agenda is?d, _ middle east agenda is? so, as you mentioned, you _ middle east agenda is? so, as you mentioned, you and - middle east agenda is? so, as you mentioned, you and i- middle east agenda is? so, as you mentioned, you and i and| you mentioned, you and i and you mentioned, you and i and you and others have talked about potential for a ceasefire this last months. and in the after months of the november elections where donald trump one and now he is coming back to office, that seems to be a factor. was the potentialfirst ceasefire to be finalised just as close prior to that? we don't know the answer to that right now, but at least going forward, since november of last year, that seems to be a major factor, not the only factor was top and president trump has warned all sides involved that if the deal doesn't happen or a ceasefire doesn't happen by the time he comes back into office, and that is now next monday, four days from now, that in his words, the paraphrase is that there would be hell

a cease fire deal now reached in the middle east. we're breaking down what the agreement includes, what it does not. and reaction from american families whose loved ones are being held hostage. good morning. thanks for joining us for our midday newscast. i'm marcus washington, and i'm laura garcia. senior officials from both sides say the deal ends 15 months of fighting in gaza, which started back in october of 2023. the war started after an attack where 1200 people were killed, 250 takenen hostage. moe than 100 were released in late november 2023 during a pause in the fighting in exchange for 240 palestinian prisoners. the agreement will also eventually free dozens of hostages, as well as palestinian prisoners in israeli jails. israel and hamas have not officially announced a deal, although a senior hamas official confirms the agreement. if all is approved, the first group of hostages couldld come t on sunday, with more being released over time. cal state east bay professor lonnie evy brooks says while this deal provides hope, many

with cold paper tray him as the hero who, over through one of the most oppressive regimes in the middle east, but al giovanni remains a criminal. western outlets have re branded al giovanni as someone who is changed overnight despite his affiliations with isis. and you about on this, right? the a very welcome to from the entire international news here. we're going to live for almost the sake of the top. so is this how we saw this out with africa? god, that has us said many a face returning to the how is john my, how about i saw him as president. once again, he's calling for the compliment to re unite. now, more than ever before, we need to strengthen our ties with our lives, right chart that we're working together to keep our sub region save as it stands is only 19 and west. and i last with all on the best in the south region. so i'm muhammad was born in for a sick, and tim has gotten his president data center many a capital of the country across you to remember that the data, one of the december civic presidential eviction by a wide margin to stage a political come back in the west african

a stable and prosperous middle east is not in unattainable dream. it is, it is, it is a goal within our reach because it's customer is a senior fellow and a national security expert from the sou funds center in the united states. he says from may have agreed to lift sanctions on his right. the settlers and the pressure benjamin netanyahu to include a see sign, ceiling goes up. i think this is an indication of, uh, what was made it really to get men yahoo to agree to the cease fire with the home us. we knew, you know, trump was putting pressure on it. yeah. hope it all sort maybe well for getting some incentives to finally agree to the deal with home us hostage release. and i think this is something that was promised every middle east expert i know, and myself included, doubts that this is going to hold that long, or because that's going to come down to the issue of what we've covered in gaza, who's allowed to carry arms and gaza and how much shows no inclination to disarm or to even necessarily allow other palestinians to come in and govern other ar

you as you on violence here in the middle east. we'll be back for more on washington's wall with a brand new episode on monday, joined by the sea ice warm accounts of territory, dr. michael sure. until end, keeping jace bible as social media. if it's on sent to the new country and i to a channel going on, he wants to be honorable dot com to let you know that besides of going underground see monday, the the more details emerge about the las vegas tiber truck. glass belts reveal the prospecting e mail, the retired officer attempting to expose a legit us army for crime is enough. countless down. the veteran also left behind noticed defending his actions in philadelphia. he said, fellow service members, veterans and all americans time to wake up. we are being led by we can speak with leadership slowly serve to enrich themselves. our drone detector is also constantly beeping. you can hear the sounds of explosions. we report from a residential area in the done yes. republic that's being hit by ukrainian cluster boulders clinic at least 1