"Israel, Palestinians to try for peace by end of '08," announces CNN. "President Bush today announced the Israelis and Palestinians have agreed to immediately launch negotiations [and] form a committee to try to work out an agreement before the end of 2008."

When reached for comment, a confused Cher Horowitz replied, "I thought they [already] declared peace in the Middle East?"

According to Us Weekly, Angelina Jolie hasn't exactly been living up to her (honorary) title as U.N. Ambassador. Reportedly, the pro-adoption humanitarian recently left the Czech senate hanging, canceling a planned get-together in Prague in order to wrap up shooting her latest film, Wanted. And the Czechs aren't exactly taking this disappointment sitting down.

Word is that the cancellation occurred due to changes in Jolie's shooting schedule, but Czech senator Nadvornik was more than a little disappointed. He told a local newspaper, "My colleagues are very sad about the lost opportunity, they were looking forward to it so much. We intended to hold the event in the beautiful Wallenstein Palace and meant to chat about theatre, film and also charity, for we are aware of Ms. Jolie's involvement in the subject.

To make up for the missed opportunity, Pitt invited Nadvornik to Wanted's wrap party later this week.

And we can't think of a more perfect solution. After all, what better place to conduct international relations, address global awareness and discuss the growing instances of poverty and displaced Chechen refugees while reaffirming the underlying goals of the UNHCR than behind the velvet ropes, amongst the glittering lights and incessant flashbulbs, and in between the clusterfuck of paparazzi at an A-list Hollywood premiere?

Three New York Times journalist were arrested and detained in the Ogaden region of Ethiopia, reports the Times. The journos were reportedly imprisoned for five days, interrogated at gunpoint and prevented from contacting the American Embassy, despite the fact that no charges were filed against them. After their eventual release, NYT' executive editor Bill Keller was quick to thank everyone who helped expedite the end of this ordeal and to lambaste those who failed to cooperate.

“Now we are looking for explanations,” Keller said. “Why were journalists on a legitimate newsgathering assignment arrested, imprisoned for five days, manhandled and threatened? Why were they denied a chance to communicate with the American embassy in Ethiopia, or with civilian officials of the Ethiopian government? Why were we unable to get accurate information about their whereabouts and condition?”

Keller said he hoped his stern words would help get across the message that this type of behavior is not acceptable. If all else fails, however, Jill Abramson has graciously offered to file a massive lawsuit against the entire population of Ethiopia.

When you ponder thinktank rag Foreign Policy, you might conjure up thoughts of in-depth analysis, reasoned debate, and thought-provoking commentary. Us? FP is more fourth-grader debate tactics, and former Fortune managing editor Rik Kirkland's piece on Rupert Murdoch as indefatigable media mogul shows just how right we are, as our selective copy/pasting shows:

Point: "Rupert Murdoch Is the World’s Most Powerful Media Mogul"
Counterpoint: "Not for long."

Point: "Murdoch Puts Money Ahead of Ideology"
Counterpoint: "Not really."

Point: "Murdoch’s Web Strategy Was Perfectly Timed"
Counterpoint: "As if."

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