Middle East

"Despite the President’s assertion that progress in Iraq is undeniable and irreversible, there is much evidence to the contrary. The Administration’s troubles are compounded by the fact that the public’s support for the war continues to decline, as does the President’s own favorable ratings (now down to 37% in one poll). The stage was thus set for a “major speech.”

"When war becomes normal and normalcy becomes something hard to deal with: is the moment to walk away from all that you see and all that you know."

"...many in the Muslim world worry that if Turkey does become an EU, it will end up as just another mouthpiece state to facilitate the new imperial policies of both the EU and the United States."

"Bush wants to assemble a global coalition of countries to offset any resistance offered by Russia and China at the IAEA meeting next month. Although the US may succeed in getting Iran referred to the UN Security Council, once there, America will find little succor amongst the Europeans, Chinese and the Russians—be it robust sanctions or military action against Iran."

"The most important indication of a successful summit would be a joint declaration stating the intention by the two sides to move from the current unilateral approach into bilateral and peaceful negotiations on the basis of the roadmap. The two parties should reiterate their commitment to the Sharm Al Sheikh understandings, i.e., to end the violence and end collective punishments against Palestinians including the sweeping arrest campaigns, assassinations, house demolitions and restrictions on movement."

"If Vice President Cheney wants to stop terrorism, an endless escalation of tit-for-tat retaliation will not do so. With the Cold War ended, the United States no longer needs such an interventionist foreign policy. Adopting a policy of military restraint overseas would bring many advantages, one of which is less anti-U.S. terrorism at home and abroad."

"There are additional heavy issues that it would be pointless for either side to put on the summit agenda, if only because the other side doesn't have persuasive answers. One is Sharon's senseless policy regarding the fence/wall in Jerusalem, which is setting the stage for another intifada. Another is Abu Mazen's appallingly sloppy and disorganized leadership style, wherein key trusted advisors are absent and vitally important decisions (e.g., sending a forceful and articulate ambassador to Washington) are never made."

"Regarding the American Jewish community: they are the most successful and powerful community in Jewish history, but they will forever feel vulnerable - as if the Holocaust may happen again any day. Fear drives all this community's actions regarding Israel. A Jewish peace activist recently wrote about how in many congregations, the people are afraid of speaking out because of their right-wing rabbi, and the same rabbi is afraid to speak out because of his right-wing congregation. In many ways, it is the Jewish spokespeople confronting you who are doubly out of touch – from the Jewish public's true opinions, and surely from Israeli and Palestinian reality. So be patient with them, but don't let them force their fears upon you."