Obama to begin Mideast tour

WASHINGTON -- When President Barack Obama steps into the Middle East's political cauldron this week, he won't be seeking any grand resolution for the region's vexing problems.

He arrives Wednesday in Jerusalem with his first priority resetting his oft-troubled relationship with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In the West Bank, Obama will meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

Obama will make a 24-hour stop in Jordan, ending his tour in Petra, Jordan's fabled ancient city. -- AP