An Israeli air strike has killed 54 civilians — including 37 children. This after the strike against a UN observation facility where UN staff were killed — and also after hundreds and hundreds of other innocent Lebanese have been killed in the exchanges between Hezbollah and Israeli military forces.

Senator Hagel’s speech today — posted below — was quite superb in articulating a smart stragegy for American engagement in the Middle East. I asked the Senator about his views regarding John Bolton’s confirmation as the Senator was not able to attend the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearings yesterday.

Chuck Hagel is giving an important, brave speech today. Here is his full prepared speech: “A Defining Time for 21st Century American Leadership” U.S.

Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) has a speech ready to go today at the Brookings Institution (11 a.m.) that is very significant — and is focused on the Middle East crisis and on the question of American engagement in the world.

OK — Something interesting is going on with Lincoln Chafee. He just shoved John Bolton all over the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing Room floor. Must have had spinach and Wheaties this morning.

On “The Young Turks” Radio Show, Senator Dick Durbin says the Bolton bilibuster needs only one more vote to succeed. Frankly, this is better than I thought we had, and we have until mid-September to wrangle that vote.

Senator Norm Coleman just asked John Bolton that now after he has been inside the UN whether his views of the institution and its role have changed at all. John Bolton’s response: “Not really.” On that basis alone, Senator George Voinovich should flip his vote again.

I’ve just heard — and read — the

Something weird just happened. I received the first formal “opening statement” of John Bolton just before the hearings began and quickly read it. I highlighted in my last post what I saw as the most shocking part of his statement and reported it.

I am covering the John Bolton hearings from 216 Hart Senate Office Building. Senator Lugar has just called the hearing to order and opened proceedings. So far, the Senators in attendance are Barbara Boxer, Richard Lugar, John Warner, George Allen, Chris Dodd, George Voinovich and Norm Coleman.