White House: 'Job is Not Done' in Yemen

President Obamas Statement on Keeping the. President Obamas Statement on Keeping the. Not to mention the fact that ICANN is up for grabs after this year. WH: White House: Osama.	Police Officer involved shooting in Mechanicsville. Police Officer involved shooting in Mechanicsville. Voice of America. Police are not saying why they initially tried to stop him.. Guide 4 NY.	Job Security - Fighting From The Front - YouTube Job Security - Fighting From The Front - YouTube Job Security - Fighting From The Front.. White House calls Yemen model for ISIS fight.	Tornados, flooding slam South - YouTube Tornados, flooding slam South - YouTube Voice of America. Your Guide 4 NY, Open House, 1st Look, Talk Stoop, Job Shop, Auto.
Hey everyone! Welcome to Mock Obama Day. Hey everyone! Welcome to Mock Obama Day. America has a long and storied history of parodying its political leaders,. Did he include.	Toddler survives after 101 minutes without pulse. Toddler survives after 101 minutes without pulse. Voice of America. Your Guide 4 NY, Open House, 1st Look, Talk Stoop, Job Shop, Auto.	Yemens Flour And Petrol Shortages - YouTube Yemens Flour And Petrol Shortages - YouTube Sky News speaks to people in Yemen to find out how the crisis is affecting their everyday lives.	Iran Calls Obama Liar, Yemen War Intensifies. Iran Calls Obama Liar, Yemen War Intensifies. Iran is now reportedly sending warships to the Yemen coast... +grainbroom Im not worried.
New press secretary scolded during White House. New press secretary scolded during White House. Hes new on the job, its not like the guys been there for fucking 5 years.. Yemen.	Unprecedented Iran deal draws GOP critics - YouTube Unprecedented Iran deal draws GOP critics - YouTube . Open House, 1st Look, Talk Stoop, Job Shop, Auto, Tech, Business, Personal . Voice of.	VOA news for Saturday, March 4th, 2015 - YouTube VOA news for Saturday, March 4th, 2015 - YouTube Thanks to http://gandalf.ddo.jp/ for audio and text VOA news for Saturday,. The Iranian.	Hadron Collider Restarts In Hunt For Dark Matter. Hadron Collider Restarts In Hunt For Dark Matter. . Open House, 1st Look, Talk Stoop, Job Shop, Auto, Tech, Business, Personal Finance.
Mohammed Emwazi What We Know - YouTube Mohammed Emwazi What We Know - YouTube A U.S. intelligence official confirmed to NBC News on Thursday that the man is Mohammed.	Al-Qaeda could be Yemen wars big winner. Al-Qaeda could be Yemen wars big winner. The negotiated power transition in Yemen following the Arab Spring was. occupy the white.	Families of 43 missing Mexican students demand. Families of 43 missing Mexican students demand. ITS NOT AMERICANS JOB to do what the fuck yall should be doing.. I hate to.	Day care director denies failure to report suspected. Day care director denies failure to report suspected. Voice of America. SubscribeSubscribed. Because of her job, Ritacco was legally required to.

White House Says Job Is Not Done In Yemen White House Says Job Is Not Done In Yemen White House Says Job Is Not Done In Yemen	Saudi: Campaign against Yemen rebels enters new phase - Chicago. Saudi: Campaign against Yemen rebels enters new phase - Chicago. U.S. ship near Yemen to ensure	White House: Job Is Not Done in Yemen | USA News White House: Job Is Not Done in Yemen | USA News CNNs Host Presses White House	News Codex - White House Says Job Is Not Done In Yemen News Codex - White House Says Job Is Not Done In Yemen US State Dept Press Secretary
Alex Swoyer | Stories - Washington Times Alex Swoyer | Stories - Washington Times my job. White House	White House says job is not done in Yemen | Zee News White House says job is not done in Yemen | Zee News Farmer suicide at AAP rally: Rahul Gandhi blames it on Modi govt	White House says job is not done in Yemen | Zee News White House says job is not done in Yemen | Zee News At least 32 killed in Bihar storm, thousands of huts destroyed	Remarks by the President in a Press Conference | The White House Remarks by the President in a Press Conference | The White House President Obama Holds a Press
Yemen Brings US, Iran Closer to Naval Face- Yemen Brings US, Iran Closer to Naval Face- Yemen Brings US, Iran Closer	White House Says Job Is Not Done In Yemen White House Says Job Is Not Done In Yemen Pete Souza/The White House	Obama: Putin Has Not Outmaneuvered West Obama: Putin Has Not Outmaneuvered West Obama: Putin Has Not	White House says job is not done in Yemen | Zee News White House says job is not done in Yemen | Zee News AAP rally: Farmer commits suicide, Kejriwal continues with speech
White House: Job is Not Done in Yemen White House: Job is Not Done in Yemen 3:24 AM Voice of America	Obama: US Cannot Be in Isolation Obama: US Cannot Be in Isolation Obama: US Cannot Be in	Pentagon: US Warships Preserving Options in Yemen Crisis Pentagon: US Warships Preserving Options in Yemen Crisis by U.S. Navy Media Content	White House says job is not done in Yemen | TODAYonline White House says job is not done in Yemen | TODAYonline We set you thinking

Transcript of the Presidents News Conference on Foreign and Domestic Affairs

Following is a transcript of President Johnsons news conference yesterday afternoon in the East Room of the White House, as recorded by The New York Times:

Press Gaggle aboard Air Force One en route Boise, Idaho, 1.

QWill he be visiting the White House on that trip? MR. EARNEST: Well. EARNEST: Its not entirely clear to me that thats exactly what theyre planning to do, though, again, some of that is because we havent heard from them about what exactly theyre planning to do. I can tell you when it. That certainly is the best way for us to ensure that the voice of the Yemeni people is heard in their political system, and thats a process that were supportive of. I will say that were��.

Yemen Rebels Dissolve Parliament, Complete Takeover of.

The White House has not yet released a statement about the situation in Yemen, although a spokesperson said the U.S. was deeply concerned about it. In the National Security Strategy document released earlier today,��.

At stake in Yemen, the nuclear deal with Iran

To these bewildering conflicts, Americans now have to add a war in Yemen. Public statements by policymakers are. Israel cannot really believe that the United States is going to attack Iranian nuclear facilities on its behalf, especially after the.

Remarks by the President at the Summit on Countering Violent

I want to thank John Kerry, not only for his introduction, but for the outstanding leadership of American diplomacy. John is. Yesterday at the White House, we welcomed community groups from the United States, and some from your countries, to focus on how we can empower communities to protect their families and friends and neighbors from violent ideologies and recruitment.. We need to do more to help lift up voices of tolerance and peace, especially online.

Press Briefing by the Press Secretary Josh Earnest, 4/7/2015

What I can tell you is that the impact on those of us who were working at the White House was minimal and that there were at least some of us who were unaware of any sort of impact or event when it first occurred. But for obvious. EARNEST: Well, first and foremost, Jeff, what we believe should be done in Yemen is that all sides to that conflict should participate in a U.N.-led process to bring an end to the violence and try to negotiate a political settlement to the conflict.

Text of Obamas State of the Union Address

Following is a text of the annual State of the Union address delivered by U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday.

Moshe Dayan Reflections on A Life of War and Peace; Mortality Friendly Enemies DAYAN A Personal Paradox The Warrior A Changing Land The Politician DAYAN The Past Lives

He had been plowing the rocky soil of the Jezreel Valley since dawn, and now, with the sun overhead, the 19-year-old farmer-soldier saw the Arabs coming at him with clubs and knives.. Curtis Bill Pepper interview with former Israeli Foreign Min Moshe Dayan; Dayan discusses his private and public lives, changes that have overtaken Israel and his plan for Palestinian autonomy; illustrations (L)

Democrats division on trade deal goes public

Any trade deal has to produce jobs and raise wages and increase prosperity and protect our security, Clinton said during a tour of a community college in Concord, New Hampshire., that focuses on technical skills. We have to do. Elizabeth Warren.

President Barack Obamas State of the Union Address | The.

And in tight-knit communities across America, fathers and mothers will tuck in their kids, put an arm around their spouse, remember fallen comrades, and give thanks for being home from a war that, after twelve long years,. Tonight, this chamber speaks with one voice to the people we represent: it is you, our citizens, who make the state of our union strong.. But the budget compromise should leave us freer to focus on creating new jobs, not creating new crises.

Text of Obamas Speech to Anti-extremism Summit

Yesterday at the White House, we welcomed community groups from the United States, and some from your countries, to focus on how we can empower communities to protect their families and friends and neighbors from violent ideologies and recruitment.

Why Marco Rubio couldnt say no

He is again polling in low single digits in the Republican field, again defying party mandarins who say hes got a bright future but its not yet his time. The main difference is that many of those pay-your-dues establishment voices now believe its.

Israel election aftermath: Netanyahu, Obama and Eisenhower

On Monday, White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough delivered a speech to J Street, a pro-Palestinian organization that masquerades as a ���progressive��� Zionist antidote to AIPAC, the mainstream Israeli lobby in Washington. To loud. As Peter Beinart.

Live Updates From the Democratic Convention

. The Times will be providing updates and analysis from Charlotte on our live dashboard. You can also follow along on Twitter @thecaucus, or follow our list of Times journalists covering the convention.

Homeland Security Dodges Partial Shutdown After President Obama Signs 1.

President Obama held a meeting in the Oval Office late Friday with DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson and OMB Director Shaun Donovan to discuss the potential shutdown, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said.. and women working in every agency can do.

Text and Video of Obama’s State of the Union Address

The transcript of President Obama’s State of the Union speech, as transcribed by the Federal News Service.

From Taufiq to Kantara -- A Ride Along the Suez Canal; A ride along the Suez

EAST BANK OF THE SUEZ CANAL. DAWN at Port Taufiq, the southern entrance to the Suez Canal: the port, like the canal itself, is split into two parts -- Israeli and Egyptian. The Israelis are stationed on a narrow pier which extends into the Gulf of Suez like a warning finger.. A Rubinstein article on situation at Suez Canal; map; illus

U.S. Closing Embassy In Yemen

WASHINGTON (AP) ��� The State Department confirmed late Tuesday that it has closed the U.S. Embassy in Yemen and evacuated its staff because of the political crisis and security concerns following the takeover of much of the country by Shiite rebels.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Josh Earnest, 3/23/2015.

And there will be some candidates who will offer up substantial changes from what the President has done, but this will be an opportunity for all the candidates to debate it, and ultimately, the American people will cast a vote accordingly.. and resources the U.S. has elsewhere in the region, but is it fair to say that at the current point in time, with the security situation being as it is, that the U.S. does not have an active counterterrorism campaign taking place in Yemen?

Are Obamas Record Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Egypt and Iraq.

Earlier this year, the White House announced it will allow foreign allies to purchase U.S. made armed drones for the first time. Under a new policy American firms can sell their drones abroad, but will be subjected to a case-by-case review. Talk about.

Remarks by the President in the State of the Union Address.

It is our unfinished task to make sure that this government works on behalf of the many, and not just the few; that it encourages free enterprise, rewards individual initiative, and opens the doors of opportunity to every child across this great nation.. Now is our best chance for bipartisan, comprehensive tax reform that encourages job creation and helps bring down the deficit. (Applause.) We can get this done. The American people deserve a tax code that helps small��.

Obama administration shifting Mideast alliances? Plus, Carly Fiorina on.

JOSH EARNEST, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: We have put intense pressure on extremists inside of Yemen. And it has mitigated the threat that they pose to the U.S. and the West. SEN. JOHN MCCAIN (R), ARIZONA: Our closest allies in the region .

Tax Time, Hillary Rising, the End of Unions, Please!

And then youve got this almost wholesale cheerleading and bootlicking of MSNBC of so many, black and white, that dont allow for critical discourse about not just for Barack Obama but for the system that he leads... With a Democrat, especially a.

Obama’s Remarks at a News Conference

The following is a transcript of President Obama’s statement and responses to reporters’ questions at a news conference on Friday.

AQAP feeds off Yemen chaos; Carter is wheels up for Asia; Whats the next step.

Its not looking so great in Yemens port city of Aden this morning ��� theres no food or power. Reuters.. Despite all the shiny objects in the Middle East, the White House remains committed to the pivot to Asia, and Carter will be one of its most.

Brawler at the U.N.; Pat Moynihan, the kid from Hells Kitchen, has a fighting style made up of blarney, bravura, charm and quickness of mind. U.N. brawler

On the night before the General Assembly of the United Nations was to vote on the resolution proclaiming that Zionism is a form of racism and racial discrimination; Daniel P. Moynihan, the chief of the United States Mission, was putting a high gloss of out rage on a speech he hoped he wouldnt have to make.. article on Moynihans career, his diplomatic style at UN, controversy surrounding it, decision to resign and then to remain in UN post; illus

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 4/26/12 | The.

Today, the Kaiser Family Foundation released a new report, which found that thanks to the Presidents health care law, 15.8 million Americans will receive $1.3 billion in rebates -- an average rebate of $127 per enrollee in the individual market... Now, were not there yet. Theres obviously an effort to continue to politicize this, to try to refight old ideological battles and -- rather than just acknowledging that this is the right thing to do and working together to get it done.

Arms and the Man

Victor Bout, by most accounts the worlds largest arms trafficker, had agreed to meet me in the lounge of the Renaissance Hotel in Moscow, a monolithic post-Soviet structure populated by third-tier prostitutes and men in dark suits. Bouts older brother, Sergei, waited with me, as did Richard Chichakli, a Syrian-born naturalized American citizen who lives in Dallas. Sergei helps run Bouts many air-cargo companies. Chichakli, an accountant, calls himself a former business associate of Bout and his friend and brother. As we waited, Chichakli tried to discourage me from pressing Bout about his connections, suggesting that there were some things I didnt want to know. Theyll put you on your knees before they execute you, he said. Then he nodded toward the doorway. Here he comes. Does he look like the worlds largest arms dealer to you?. Peter Landesman profile of and interview with Victor Bout, worlds largest arms trafficker who, despite being fugitive from international justice, lives in plain sight in Moscow; in 1992, he bought three Russian cargo planes and brokered their services for long-haul flights from Moscow; business picked up in 1993, after he moved operation to United Arab Emirates and began transporting all kinds of cargo, and by 1996, was running biggest of emirates air-cargo companies with idea of creating network in Africa and Emirates; he denies persistent rumors that he worked for Soviet spy agency KGB; when Soviet Union collapsed, former republics that were desperate for hard currency sold off weapons with Ukraine getting most of them and making public show of transferring arsenal to Russia, but in fact $32 billion of large- and small-scale weaponry simply disappeared and Ukraine became most reliable source of supply in arms-trafficking underworld with Bout providing way to move and sell it; logistical details of arms-trafficking described; there is not much law, American or international, on arms-trafficking and so traffickers rely on fact that countries do not consider arms shipments originating elsewhere their problem; Bout sees himself as businessman selling wares; his perspective on international geopolitics discussed; photos (L)

Live Coverage of Obamas 2014 State of the Union Address

. President Obama delivers his State of the Union address Tuesday night and Times reporters and editors are providing analysis during the speech.

Daily Briefing by the Press Secretary Josh Earnest, 02/11/15.

So its going to require Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill to do something that they have not done with a lot of success over the last several years, which is actually to work together to make progress on something thats pretty. As we have said since the beginning of this latest round of turmoil, that the United States would be focused on monitoring the security situation in Yemen and in Sanaa in particular, mindful of the need to protect U.S. personnel that are��.

Unradical sheiks who shake the world; Much more wealth than they can cope with Saudi, Arabia: Preserving the Wahabite way Kuwait: No one gets fired Abu Dhabi: Instant development The new Arab: Do we resent him? The opulence of oil may produce major political changes in the Arab world. Arab socialism may be doomed.

Spend thy treasure for the cause Of God, and be not cast by thine own hands To ruin; and do Good. Lo! God loveth The beneficent.. They ask thee (O Mohammed!) What shall they spend? Say, whatsoever ye Spend for good must go to parents and near Kindred and orphans and the needy... Edward R F Sheehan article on Persian Gulf states discusses his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, assessing its regime, econ development soc conditions, role of women, religious observance and educ; discusses Saudi King Faisals character and diplomatic style; notes Saudis plan to spend as much as they can creating welfare state; says Govt is resolved to erect vast indus superstructure that will sustain future generations when eventually oil dwindles by seeking to conclude immense bilateral agreements with various capitalist govts to establish indus complexes in exch for steady supplies of oil; says Govt hopes to spend at least $60-billion over next 6 yrs on welfare, internal development, defense and industrialization; holds Govt will invest much of its wealth in West; illus of Faisal (L)

Text of Obamas State of the Union Address

Text of President Barack Obamas State of the Union address, as delivered and provided by the White House:

Welshs nuclear concerns; At last���a breakthrough on Iran; Airstrikes in Yemen.

The U.S. will up its contributions to the Saudi-led campaign against the Houthis by providing aerial refueling for combat jets conducting airstrikes in Yemen, according to a senior military official via AFPs Dan De Luce: ���The U.S. militarys Central.

Deconstructing Obamas Yemeni intervention | Asia Times

The U.S. government-funded Voice of America has sent up a trial balloon filled with hot air prognosticating that the tensions building up over the Yemen conflict ���appear to be pitting the United States against Iran in a sensitive showdown in the. After all, the U.S. government has not cared to evacuate its citizens in distress ��� unlike what almost all countries have done weeks ago ��� and American judges may have no option if these Arab-American Muslims invoke their��.

House Speaker John Boehner defends Republican Congress record

And, Congressman, all of this going on at a time that the situation in Yemen is deteriorating as the Americans are on the side of the Saudis, and Iran is saying, if the Saudi-led upset in Yemen continues, there will be more bloodshed? THORNBERRY: Yeah.

Obama’s Speech on N.S.A. Phone Surveillance

Following is the transcript of President Obama’s speech on National Security Agency data collection programs.

My Captivity

In 2012, the author was kidnapped in Syria by the Nusra Front. After months of beatings and torture, he was certain he would be executed. Instead, he lived to tell this tale.. Theo Padnos article describes his experience of being kidnapped in Syria in 2012 by Al Nusra Front and surviving months of beatings and torture.

Press Briefing by the Press Secretary Josh Earnest, 1/23/15.

EARNEST: Not today. But were pleased he could join us for the briefing, and we certainly appreciate all of his years of service here at the White House, and wish him well as he moves on. Now that weve got that out of the way -- I think. This served to ensure that the Iranians could not, as they have done in the past, use diplomatic negotiations as cover to make progress on their nuclear program. Thats not the case. Right now, in fact, the Iran nuclear program is not as��.

Remarks by the President in Press Conference after the.

The nearly $70 million in investments that Ive announced in Jamaica will expand education and training and employment programs for young people across Latin America and the Caribbean, including in impoverished and.. That is -- talk to people who are not affiliated with the administration, some of whom were skeptical about our capacity to get a deal done and have now looked at it and said if were able to actually get what was discussed in the political��.

Final Presidential Debate Fact-Checks and Updates

. President Obama and Mitt Romney square off on Monday night in Boca Raton, Fla. for the final presidential debate. Live coverage begins at 8 p.m. eastern.

FPs Situation Report: Yemens collapse is a huge hit to U.S..

FPs Situation Report: Yemens collapse is a huge hit to U.S. counterterror strategy; White House dismisses Bibis apology tour; Israel reportedly spied on Iran talks; Ghani makes a promise to America; and much more from around the world. �� | Foreign. During his first public appearance in the United States, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani told Americans that the billions of dollars and thousands of lives invested in his country would not be wasted. FPs Kate... Voices��.

Arms and the Man

Around the world, bloody conflicts are more and more often fueled by arms transported through vast shadowy networks run by traffickers like the notorious, mysterious and unstoppable Victor Bout.

The Jihadist Next Door

In his small-town Alabama high school, Omar Hammami was among the coolest, most gifted students in his class. How did he grow up to become a leader in an African terror group linked to Al Qaeda?

White House: Job is Not Done in Yemen

Yemeni security officials say the Saudi-led coalition has launched fresh airstrikes on Shiite rebels in two cities, a day after the kingdom declared an end to its month-long air campaign targeting the Iran-backed rebels and their allies. The.

Press Briefing by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Eric.

Q Eric, back on 529s -- can you tell us who at the White House was involved in the original proposal, and how you came about deciding not to move forward?. Over the past six years, weve seen significant economic progress across this country, and that includes, by the way, the longest stretch of job creation in our nations history, and last year marking the highest number of job growth... We were working with the Yemeni security forces and other parties over there.

Remarks by the President to the American Legion National.

Across the generations, you served with honor. You made us proud. And you carry the memory of friends who never came home -- our fallen, our prisoners of war, those missing in action -- heroes that our nation can never forget... But our message to anyone who harms our people is simple: America does not forget. Our reach is long. We are patient. Justice will be done. We have proved time and time again we will do whats necessary to capture those who harm��.

Obama’s Mideast Speech

A text of President Obama’s speech on the Middle East, delivered Thursday at the State Department, as released by the White House.

The Human Cost of Secret U.S. Drone Strikes in Yemen.

The report, which documents civilian harm caused by nine U.S. airstrikes between May 2012 and April 2014, describes the experiences of civilians directly affected by U.S. drone strikes, individuals whose voices are all too easily. In February 2013, then���White House counterterrorism chief John Brennan testified at his Senate confirmation hearing to become CIA director that the United States ���need[s] to acknowledge ��� publicly��� mistaken killings ���in the interest of��.

Suicide Attacks at Mosques in Yemen Kill More Than 130

SANA, Yemen ��� An affiliate of the Islamic State that had not previously carried out any major attacks claimed responsibility for coordinated suicide strikes on Zaydi Shiite mosques here that killed more than 130 people during Friday Prayer, bringing.

Ted Cruz the senator: Heard but not seen

. imagine that thats an item of consideration for the voters.��� Graham, whos weighing his own bid for the GOP presidential nomination, said each of the senators mounting campaigns for the White House will ���have to make some decisions about our day.

A Knack for Inventing, a Love of Animals, and a Flair for the Dramatic

Here are glimpses of some of the victims of the Sept. 11 attack on the World Trade Center. MICHAEL EDWARD ROBERTS Firehouse Psychologist When Michael Edward Roberts was just 4, his father took him to a firehouse and sat him on a rig parked there. Thats all it took. From that moment on, life was a countdown to the Fire Academy. He took time to get a degree in psychology from the State University of New York at Buffalo, but he knew without a doubt what he was going to do, said his father, Thomas Roberts, a retired New York City fire captain. Hed say the only decision he needed to make was whether to grow up, or become a firefighter. Finally, in February 1998, Michael Edward Roberts was formally admitted to the academy. He ended up at Ladder Company 35 near Lincoln Center. He was so happy, said his sister, Lisa.. Brief biographical profiles of some of those lost in World Trade Center; photos: two firefighters named Michael Edward Roberts, Kevin P York, Margaret Mattic, Simon V Weiser, Paul Zois, Matthew OMahony, Nina Bell, David L W Fodor, Chris Orgielewicz, David Arce, Vanessa Kolpak, Durrell V Pearsall Jr, Robert D Mattson, Mark H Rosen, Michael A Tamuccio, Andrew I Rosenblum, William E Krukowski, Tara McCloud/Gray, Alan D Feinberg, Christopher Larrabee, James G Geyer, Alysia Basmajian, Anthony Fallone, Bruce Eagleson, Sandra Conaty Brace, Frank Koestner, Pamela Chu, Arkady Zaltsman (L)

IN GAZA, PEACE MEETS PATHOLOGY

THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO THE GAZA STRIP IS an ugly thing, raw as a sore, bleak as an illness. The Erez checkpoint, as it is called, has been for 27 years the main gate of one of humanitys larger holding pens, and its form has followed its function to a brutal conclusion. It is a clutter of small, shabby buildings set in a landscape of dirt, old asphalt, razor wire and, especially, concrete. Concrete is the checkpoints grossmotif, in the form of the rough cubes that are, literally, its building blocks. The massive squares are staggered in a slalom course in the strip of road that leads to the stopping point, and are stacked atop each other to form the crude watchtowers and machine gun nests from which the soldiers of the Israeli Defense Force stare down: hard, brown young men, opaquely impassive behind their sunglasses, M-16s at the casual ready. The blocks are painted in bright regimental colors, but concrete grimed by diesel exhaust and gouged by would-be border runners and bullets is hard to prettify. Gazas checkpoints (Erez is only the first among many) are a physical manifestation of the reality of the Palestinian experience, which is nowhere expressed in a more pure or concentrated form. The Gaza Strip is a small, misshapen rectangle of generally barren land tucked into the corner formed by the meeting of Egypt, Israel and the Mediterranean Sea. For most of its history, it has been sparsely populated, and its people always have been poor and powerless. They have lived under the control of armed outsiders for hundreds of years: first the Turks of the Ottoman Empire, then the British, the Egyptians, the Israelis. On Sept. 13, 1993, on the White House lawn, Yitzhak Rabin of Israel and Yasir Arafat of the Palestine Liberation Organization signed an agreement that made this place the heart of something called the Palestinian Autonomous Region -- an odd, ambivalent entity that is no longer a ward of the Jewish state but not a state of its own either. The pact also made Arafat the head of the Palestinian National Authority, a government that doesnt entirely exist or entirely not exist, but, in Cheshire cat fashion, fades in and out of reality depending on the angle and the time at which it is viewed.