You can support Bush and not agree with 101% of what his administration is doing. I thought Bush's statement THursday week ago was FABULOUS. He challenged Arafat, Arab leaders and Israelis *all* to pursue peace. Somehow the media igrnores all the challenges to the Arab side. ... And somehow Powell wants to bend over backward with his state-dept buddies to protect Arafat. I disagree with this. ... the Arafat fans are Clintonite holdovers and are wrong. Sooner or later arafat's irrelevence to creating peace will be obvious to all. Certainly israel will never negotiate with him again. he is a liar.
That all being said, Bush is navigating quite well, trying by both highlighting Arab hypocrisy on this matter and ensuring that Israel doesnt totally make themselves international pariah. On this, Powell is one "wing" and Sharon is the "bad-cop". Bush likes this routine. it gives a 'middle ground' for Aarabs to reach towards while showing them the stick (IDF actions). it will frustrate conservatives because it looks like waffling sometimes (and partly it is pargramitc compromise), but it is how Bush operates.
DAL does NOT support Bush. He and the Dems are bent on having him be a one termer.
Excellent Analysis! It's exactly what I've been thinking the last week.