Hi Buck,

Bush and his administration have adopted a policy of 'let them stew in their own juices' with Israel and the Palestinians.

Instead of jumping through Israeli hoops - like Clinton did - to no avail, this administration has chosen to let Israel realize it needs the US more than we need them - and they better learn that real quick.

The visit to the wall was just another stab-in-the-back into the dove of peace, and the US efforts, which has characterized many Israeli hardliners.

While we can say 'it hasn't worked', and that they are still killing eachother in an endless cycle, I think that perhaps once the two sides do get together it will be because they really want to - and not just as a Camp David photo-op for Clinton.

I see no European leader orchestrating peace talks...so why should Bush or the US try to get folks who have shown disrespect to the US efforts by violating every cease-fire ever drawn up?

We are not the sole peace-brokers in the region - nor should we be - as we have so very little vested interest in the matter.

As India and formerly hostile nations open up diplomatic channels with the US and open up facilities to US forces - Israel as a strong ally is generally perceived by this administration as more of a liability than a boon.

Best wishes,

SDAI-Tech1