Rich Cohen

Rich Cohen tells the story of Samuel Zemurray, who arrived in America in 1891, penniless, and became one of the richest, most powerful men in the world. The Fish that Ate the Whale: The Life and Times of America's Banana King unveils Zemurray as a hidden kingmaker and capitalist revolutionary, connected to the birth of modern American diplomacy, public relations, business, and war.

An Irish ship, the MV Rachel Corrie, is sailing toward the Gaza Strip this morning, just days after nine people were killed when Israeli commandos raided a flotilla of ships heading for Gaza. The raid drew widespread condemnation from Israel's friends and foes. The MV Rachel Corrie is reportedly carrying aid for Palestinians in the form of school supplies, clothes and medicine – among other things. Israel has said the ship will not be allowed to dock.

The latest incident in the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians brings the difficulty of creating peace in the area into sharp relief. We ask Vanity Fair's Rich Cohen about more cargo ships approaching Israel's blockade of Gaza; that and this morning's headlines.