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Host Jacki Lyden speaks with Khalil Shikaki of the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research about Arab reaction to President Clinton's statement that he would consider moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Such a move would directly support Israeli claims over the city. Shikaki says the President's statement helps breed deep suspicion that the U.S. isn't impartial when it arbitrates between Israel and the PLO.

Host Alex Chadwick talks to Garry Russell, the organizer of a one-day-a-week boycott of gas stations in Britain, to protest high prices at the pump. Russell says the idea behind the "Dump the Pumps" boycott is to pressure Britain's government into doing something to bring gas prices down, starting with a reduction in the high gasoline tax.

Co-Host Madeleine Brand and NPR's political editor Ken Rudin talk about three political conventions from history where crucial and unpredictable decisions were made: the Democratic Convention of 1860, the Republican Convention of 1912, and the Democratic Convention of 1944. The two earlier conventions are brought to life through dramatic recreation.

NPR's Jon Hamilton reports on a new study today that concludes that the falling murder and suicide rates in America are not related to the 1994 Brady law to regulate handgun purchases. The study's authors say the findings illustrate the enormous impact of the unregulated gun market on crime. Independent scientists say the research is sound -- but its ability to judge the effectiveness of gun control is limited.

The International Olympic Committee's medical commission today approved a combined blood and urine test to detect the banned performance-enhancing drug EPO. The decision must be approved by the IOC's executive board meeting later this month, but experts said it is very likely the new test will be used during the Sydney games in September. Finding a reliable test for EPO, which up to now has been virtually undetectable, has been a priority for the Olympic movement. EPO stimulates the production of oxygen-rich blood cells and is popular with endurance athletes. NPR's Tom Goldman reports.

Linda talks to Howard Neufield, Professor of Biology at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, about his study of the effects of ozone on vegetation in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Neufield says ozone levels in the Great Smokies are among the highest in the National Park system. The study documents visible ozone injury to at least thirty species of plants in the park.

There have been many political dynasties in the United States, but only two presidential sons have risen to be nominated for president in their own right. John Quincy Adams... and George W. Bush. The Bush clan never uses the word dynasty, of course, but it's hard to miss the importance of family in this political year. NPR's Elizabeth Arnold reports on the importance of being a Bush.

All Things Considered Host Robert Siegel is at the Republican Convention in Philadelphia this week, where "diversity" is one of the watchwords. Minority orators, singers, even dancers are fixtures on the podium, applauded enthusiastically by the largely white audience. This hasn't always been the experience of African-American Republicans, who often feel isolated in their party and their communities. NPR's Wade Goodwyn went to Philadelphia's African-American Museum today, where he talked to many black women who are delegates to the convention.

NPR's Mara Liasson reports on the first day of activities at the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia. While the delegates are more that 80 percent white, the platform speakers were predominantly black, Asian, Latino and female. Last night retired general Colin Powell called on Republicans to follow the example set by George W. Bush, and reach out to minorities. Delegates also heard from Bush's wife, Laura, who spoke of her husband's strength of character.

Writer and editor William Maxwell has died at the age of 91. Maxwell was on staff at The New Yorker for forty years, where he worked with many famous authors -- including J.D. Salinger and John Updike.