[yoe]

Albright was concerned about the reaction of world opinion to a retaliation against Muslims, and the impact it would have in the final days of the Clinton Middle East peace process.

The “Peace Talks” were little more than a photo-opt for Bill Clinton as he held priminister Barak and Arafat at Camp David hostage. The sham didn’t work – all smoke and mirrors for more US $$s – Clinton the peace maker – NOT!

Does anyone recall what this actually cost the United States in tax dollars for Arafat-the-terrorist?

[Mia T]

Photo-op was a side benefit, in my view. The talks were serious business for clinton. One doesn't have to look too closely at the photos to see his arm-twisting of the principals.

Clinton viewed a sham Mideast peace accord as his ticket to the Nobel Peace Prize. Madeleine Albright said as much at the cabinet meeting to determine the disposition of the USS Cole bombing, a clear act of war.

Albright offered the Nobel as the primary reason for not responding militarily. (Clarke was the only one at the meeting in favor of retaliation.)