Yes, it’s true. America’s Shakedown Artist is headed to the Middle East “to meet with political and religious leaders about troubles in the region, including the kidnapping of two Fox News journalists.” More via AP:

The Rev. Jesse Jackson said Wednesday he would lead an ecumenical delegation to the Middle East this week to meet with political and religious leaders about troubles in the region, including the kidnapping of two Fox News journalists.

Jackson, the veteran civil rights leader and head of his Chicago-based Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, said the group would leave Friday night for meetings in Syria, Lebanon and Israel. He declined to release his planned itinerary because of security concerns.

“We had been working with the Middle Eastern Council of Churches, but couldn’t get in earlier because of the bombings,” Jackson said.

He said his delegation would consist of about 10 people representing Jewish, Muslim, Roman Catholic and Protestant groups.

Jackson said his mission would have three goals: urging the extension of the cease-fire in Lebanon, arranging humanitarian aid in Lebanon and in the Israeli city of Haifa, and inquiring into several hostage situations.

He said his group is concerned about the fate of Israeli soldiers held hostage by Hezbollah, as well as by the kidnapping of Fox News correspondent Steve Centanni and cameraman Olaf Wiig, who were kidnapped Aug. 14 from their TV van near the Palestinian security services headquarters in Gaza City.

Well, I guess I have to give Jackson credit for not joining the Bob Laurence Blame Fox camp. But still, this is the race hustler who smeared Jews and NYC as “Hymies” and “Hymietown.” Color me half-enthused.

More at Inside Cable News.