Obama Plans Mideast Diplomatic Offensive

Barack Obama will launch a diplomatic offensive to tackle the Gaza crisis and other troubles in the Mideast his very first day in office, he tells USA Today. He plans a more cohesive approach to the region than President Bush, and may appoint special envoys. The challenges in Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and between Palestinians and Israelis won't be "solved in isolation," he declared.

Obama bristled at Bush's suggestion that he might rethink his opposition to controversial anti-terror tactics once he takes power. "I don't make these decisions blindly," said Obama, stressing that he has received the same security briefings as Bush since he won the election. "We're not leaping before we look here. I understand exactly what issues are at stake," he said.
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