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A Tough Assignment: Peace

U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, the nation's chief diplomat, has a hard job. Last week it got even harder. Just as she was preparing to head toward the Middle East to help restart the process of making peace between Israelis and Palestinians, the area exploded in violence.

On Thursday, three bombs ripped through a crowded Jerusalem shopping area. Seven people, including the three bombers, were killed in the attack, and nearly 200 others were hurt.

Less than 24 hours later, Israeli soldiers attacked in the neighboring country of Lebanon, which is home to several anti-Israeli groups.

Albright said her trip to the Middle East would go ahead despite the violence. "We cannot give in to terror," she said.

President Bill Clinton, who was vacationing in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, said the bombers were trying to kill the peace effort. "I think it's all the more important for Secretary Albright to go," said Clinton.

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