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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Clinton Visits West Bank, Names Syrian Envoys

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(Newser) – Hillary Clinton met separately with the Palestinian president and prime minister in the West Bank today, after sitting down with Israeli leaders yesterday, and announcing the appointment of two senior envoys to Syria. Palestinian leaders implored Clinton to push for a freeze on expanding Israeli West Bank settlements, and open borders for Gaza. As the new occupants of the White House reconfigure the US approach to the Middle East, they believe Syria could be the key to the puzzle, the New York Times reports.

An understanding with Syria would be potent since it wields heavy influence in both Iran and Palestine. But the Bush administration largely shunned the country, recalling its ambassador after the 2005 assassination of Lebanon’s prime minister. Palestine, for its part, hopes Clinton’s moves signal a shift away from what they view as a bias toward Israel.

Hillary Clinton is greeted by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas as she arrives for their meeting at the Muqata headquarters March 4, 2009 in Ramallah, West Bank.
Hillary Clinton is greeted by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas as she arrives for their meeting at the Muqata headquarters March 4, 2009 in Ramallah, West Bank.   (Getty Images)
Hillary Rodham Clinton shakes hands with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at Abbas' headquarters in the West Bank town of Ramallah, March 4, 2009.
Hillary Rodham Clinton shakes hands with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at Abbas' headquarters in the West Bank town of Ramallah, March 4, 2009.   (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, center, waves as she walks into an English language school in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Wednesday, March 4, 2009.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, center, waves as she walks into an English language school in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Wednesday, March 4, 2009.   (AP Photo/Tara Todras-Whitehill)
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America is always for Israel. If Clinton wants to come, we'll welcome her. If Obama wants to come, we'll welcome him, but it doesn't help. - Ayman al-Umari, 32, Palestinian shop owner, expressing the prevailing view in the West Bank

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northeast
Mar 4, 09 9:28 AM CST
I've always wondered how a leader of a country like Syria or Lebanon would feel about deference to a female leader. Evidently it works, but the dynamic is still interesting. Reply
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