While East Timor faces many challenges, U.N.Special Representative Khare says it is on the path to becoming a vibrant democracy.

VOA: standard.2009.08.27

"Fishing is going to go on whether it be on the west side of the river or the east side of the river."

VOA: standard.2010.05.08

The Palestinians say the Israeli move is insufficient because it does not include disputed East Jerusalem or 3,000 homes already under construction in the West Bank.

VOA: standard.2009.12.07

Its smaller companies will not be covered. The head of Middle East research at Swiss-based financial firm UBS, Saud Masud,says it is a step in the right direction.

VOA: standard.2009.12.02

Mill er says U.S.missile defense capability is not as good as it should be in some areas, particularly the Middle East, but he expects that to change significantly,and soon.

VOA: standard.2010.03.26

Some Middle East analysts say it is no secret that the Gaza blockade has not significantly weakened Hamas, which Israel and the United States say is an Iranian-backed terrorist organization.

VOA: standard.2010.06.10

Paul Salem,who heads the Carnegie Center for Peace in the Middle East,argues that, despite the current impasse, it is a positive sign that Iraqi political adversaries are discussing their differences in parliament.

VOA: standard.2009.10.26

But the Palestinians say the freeze is not enough to revive U.S.-sponsored peace talks because it does not include disputed East Jerusalem and some 3,000 Jewish homes already under construction in the West Bank.

VOA: standard.2009.12.10

"They said,without this service, NGOs [non-governmental organizations and agencies will be unable to reach operation areas in the east and south of the country, and it is an area that is particularly insecure and difficult,"

VOA: standard.2009.08.02

Lee Smith says it has always been hard for Americans to understand exactly why peace in the Middle East is so elusive, and why violence and terrorism are so pervasive and persistent in the Arab world.

VOA: standard.2010.03.18

So,I guess it hits the right tone in that it is a promise that US policy in the Middle East and in the peace process, President Obama will try to do his best in the future,"

VOA: standard.2009.10.09

"This is a special moment for Chancellor Merkel, as somebody who grew up in East Germany, who understands what it is like to be under the shadow of a dictatorial regime, and to see how freedom has bloomed in Germany,"

VOA: standard.2009.11.03

The United States is seeking assurances from Mr.Netanyahu that such an incident will not be repeated, as well as pledges that it is prepared to discuss all of the core issues of the Middle East peace process - including Jerusalem - in talks with the Palestinians.

VOA: standard.2010.03.16