Reading Obama's silence
Updated on 05 January 2009
No word on the fighting in Gaza from the president-elect of the only country with any real influence in the area.
President Bush has clearly backed Israel's right to defend itself, saying he regretted the civilian casualties but warning any ceasefire must stop Hamas from firing rockets into Israel.
However, there has been a conspicuous silence from the man who will replace Mr Bush in the White House in just two weeks time - Barack Obama.
He insists he will not comment on the crisis while President Bush remains in office.
Interview: Richard Haas
Alex Thomson is joined by doctor Richard Haas from New York, the Former Director of Policy for the State Department and Adviser to Secretary of State Colin Powell.
He now runs the council on foreign relations, a New York based foreign affairs think tank.
