Vice President Joe Biden is on his way to the region, making stops for meetings with Israeli and the Palestinian Authority officials. The administration has focused on shuttle diplomacy to resume peace talks and pressure Israel to halt settlement activity. Special Envoy George Mitchell has been at the epicenter of this strategy, but Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has had her share of involvement. Biden’s trip represents the administration upping the ante on the resumption of talks, expending more political capital and effort. More details to follow.
The circular from the White House reads:
“Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden will travel to the Middle East during the week of March 8, 2010. The Vice President will meet with key leaders in Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Egypt, and Jordan. During the trip, the Vice President will discuss the full range of bilateral and regional issues. Among others, the Vice President will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Palestinian Authority President Abbas, Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Fayyad, Egyptian President Mubarak, and Jordanian King Abdullah.
Additional details about the Vice President and Dr. Biden’s trip will be released at a later date. “