One can't help but think that the recent conference at Annapolis and this Middle East trip are not really concerned with the Palestinians and Israel. Bush has shown no interest in diplomacy, negotiation, and less talent for it. And no one in the administration has, either. Threats, attacks and invasions seem to be the linchpins of American foreign policy.

And Bush's lecture on Israel's need to withdraw from occupied lands rings hollow. The US, after all, finances the cities and the wall. It sounds more like a statement meaint for "balance", after granting assurances to Israel.

KUWAIT CITY - "The United States dampened hopes Friday for swift agreement on a Mideast peace deal, as Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice cautioned against expecting a "blinding flash" of Arab backing for cooperation with Israel, their historic enemy."

I believe, rather, it's a trip to drum up support for action against Iran.

Arf