President-elect Barack Obama has calculatedly kept himself aloof from one of the key crisis affecting the Middle East. But this may be undermining his public image in the Middle East. Is it a concealed message to Israel to fight its own battles?

The current Governor of Illinois has appointed Roland Burris (D-IL) as the person to replace PE-Obama in the US Senate.

Can there be a Middle East Peace Plan between Israel and Palestinians? With Israeli forces now inside Gaza, some are speculating on what it would take to garner peace in the region.

Sixteen years of early baby boomer presidencies will conclude when George W. Bush steps down on Jan. 20, 2009. Bush had two terms, and so did Bill Clinton.

His sweeping promises of change helped elect Barack Obama, but one of those promises is about to collide with reality. His vow to improve America's standing in the world can succeed in many quarters only if he abandons Israel.

ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE -- President-elect Barack Obama landed in the Washington area Sunday evening, setting up the final march toward his Jan. 20 inauguration.

Obama spokesperson: "President-elect Obama is closely monitoring global events, including the situation in Gaza, but there is one president at a time." Arab media: "deafening silence from the Obama team".

President-elect Barack Obama is adding a "Neighborhood Ball" to the list of inaugural parties planned just over two weeks from now.

Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine will become chairman of the Democratic National Committee later this month, serving as the top political messenger for Barack Obama's administration even while he finishes his final year in the governor's mansion, several sources said.