Columnists David Brooks and E.J. Dionne discuss the continuing crisis in the Middle East, the role of international leaders in seeking a diplomatic solution, and the confirmation hearings of U.N. ambassador John Bolton.

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Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss efforts by some Democrats to block the confirmation of Samuel Alito, the mandate won by Hamas in the Palestinian parliament, and the Bush administration's response to the wiretapping scandal.

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The prospects for the confirmation of Judge Samuel Alito improved this week as three Democrats crossed the aisle to support his nomination, however other Democrats led by Sen. John Kerry are calling for a filibuster.

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The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 10-8, along party lines, to approve Judge Samuel Alito as a Supreme Court justice.

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In a final day of hearings, Senators on the Judiciary Committee heard testimony about Judge Samuel Alito from a series of colleagues and advocates.

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Shields and Brooks debate why after 500 questions and 18 hours of testimony it appeared Democrats would be unable to stop the nomination of Samuel Alito to the high court.

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Two guests give their insight on the confirmation process and how the Senate Judiciary Committee handled the hearings.

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Senators wrapped up questioning of Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito after 18 hours of inquiries into his judicial philosophy and moved on to witness testimonies Thursday afternoon.

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Constitutional law experts reflect on how much has been learned about Samuel Alito's legal philosophy and opinions.

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Kwame Holman reports on day three of the Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito.

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Two court watchers analyze whether Judge Alito's answers in the first round of questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee reveal anything about his opinions on abortion or executive power.

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Senators pressed Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito for more information on his views about executive power, abortion and the right to privacy in the second day of confirmation hearings.

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Two constitutional law scholars analyze opening statements on the first day of Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito.

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Senators pledged to question Judge Samuel Alito on issues including constitutional powers, privacy and abortion during hearings this week on whether he should be confirmed as a Supreme Court justice.

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Wrapping up the first day of Samuel Alito's confirmation hearings, four experts reflect on the opening statements from the judge and senators.

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Addressing the committee for the first time, Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito shared his personal journey that has led to his high court nomination.

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Documents released recently by the National Archives from Supreme Court nominee Judge Samuel Alito's past have sparked a debate over his judicial philosophy.

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Papers released from the National Archives show that when Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito was assistant solicitor general in the Reagan administration, he outlined a strategy for effectively overturning the landmark abortion rights decision, Roe v. Wade.

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Republican Senator Mike DeWine of Ohio and Senate Judiciary Committee member Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., discuss the nomination.

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Samuel Alito, with 15 years on the federal bench and a dozen more as a public official, has developed a long list of judicial decisions that outline a conservative philosophy and a high level of judicial restraint.

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Less than a week after his first choice for the Supreme Court bowed out due to Republican opposition, President Bush nominated noted conservative federal appeals Judge Samuel Alito to replace Sandra Day O'Connor.

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