Kerry Revives Mideast Peace Talks

John Kerry is back in the Middle East and he’s not leaving until there’s peace. Well, at least he’s going to try. The U.S. secretary of State will meet with leaders in Jordan, Palestine, and Israel over the next few days in hopes of reviving peace talks between the latter two. Kerry’s already encountered one setback, however, as his arrival in Jordan coincided with the news that Israel had just approved construction of 69 more housing units on an East Jerusalem settlement. “Obviously steps like this are unhelpful, but we remain hopeful that both parties will recognize the opportunity and the necessity to go back to the table,” said the State Department.