The chemical warfare attack in Syria is discussed in depth, including the ramifications and calculations for the U.S. and Israel.

Q. Was last Wednesday's violent suppression of Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood demonstrations by the army a strategic turning point for the revolution in Egypt?  What does this mean for Israel?

Q. Israeli-PLO final status negotiations resumed last week, also on Wednesday. How does the Israeli negotiating team of Livni and Molcho shape up?

This week, Alpher discusses what was significant from an Israeli standpoint in last week's US terror alert and embassy closings, the mutual accusations of sabotaging negotiations before they begin Wednesday, an overview of the Arab revolutionary wave: where is it coming from and where is it heading, and how this is related to the fortunes of the outside powers as they intervene, not to mention what all this means for Israel.

Alpher discusses new benefits for settlers from the Netanyahu government, proposals for a referendum on withdrawal from territory and the raising of the Knesset election threshold, and whether the EU sanctions against Israeli settlements may have been timed to support Secretary of State Kerry's efforts.