PENCE IN EGYPT – AT 1:44 P.M. ET:  Attention is focused on the shutdown, but other important stuff is happening.  The vice president is in Egypt, attending the problems in the Mideast.   He will also visit Jordan and Israel. 

It's important to watch Mike Pence carefully.  He may be president.  From ABC News:

Vice President Mike Pence and Egyptian leader Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi pledged a united front against terrorism in the Mideast as Pence, the highest-level American official to visit the U.S. ally in nearly a decade, began a trip through the region after leaving behind a government shutdown in Washington.

Pence and el-Sissi held 2 hours of talks at the presidential palace in Cairo, with acknowledgements of friendship and partnership between the two countries. Through a translator, Pence listened intently as el-Sissi cited the need to address "urgent issues," including "ways to eliminate this disease and cancer that has terrified the whole world."

Pence pointed to President Donald Trump's efforts to forge stronger ties with el-Sissi in his first year in office, "after a time when our countries seemed to be drifting apart."

Pence said "we stand shoulder to shoulder with you and Egypt in fighting against terrorism," and that "our hearts grieve" for the loss of life in recent terrorist attacks against Egyptians.

And...

His visit to the region came more than a month after Trump announced his decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a step that's enraged Palestinians. El-Sissi identified "the peace issue" as one of the most important issues in their discussions, but the two leaders did not elaborate...

...Pence planned to travel to Jordan later Saturday and then to Israel on Sunday. He was not expected to meet with Palestinians officials.

COMMENTS:  Once again the Palestinian leaders, to quote a late statesman, "never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity."  They are refusing to see Pence because of the Jerusalem issue, and want the United States out of the peace process.  Gee, what great negotiating.  The United States will always be the key nation in the Mideast peace process, and is preparing a detailed peace plan.  You'd think the Pals would want to be involved in influencing that plan.  No geniuses they.

January 20, 2018