This Issue:

Table of Contents

Cover Story

Cover Story - Spanish Version

Mini-Lesson

Comprehension Quiz

Teacher's Guide and Worksheets

A Few Small Steps Toward Peace

In the Middle East last week, one long standoff ended, and hopes for peace surfaced. For 34 days, Israeli forces had held Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat prisoner in his headquarters in the West Bank city of Ramallah. On Wednesday, Arafat was allowed to leave.

The U.S. helped negotiate the deal, which called for Israel to withdraw its troops from Ramallah. In return, six Palestinians wanted by Israel were transferred to a jail in Jericho. British and American guards will watch the prisoners.

On Thursday, the U.S. announced plans for a Middle East peace conference this summer. The meeting will likely take place in Europe. "This is a time for prompt action to take advantage of this new window of opportunity," said U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell.

But peace still faces many obstacles. Israeli and Palestinian forces continue to battle at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. When a fire broke out at the 1,500-year-old church, each side blamed the other.

Next: The View From Hubble