The Obama administration is optimistic that the Palestinian Authority will return to direct talks with Israel after nearly two years of shunning face-to-face negotiations.
After a rocky start marred by two disastrous visits to the White House from which the press was barred, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to receive a more cordial reception when he arrives for today's meeting with President Obama. What Israelis need from the prime minister is more than an Oval Office smile.
