[Zhang Fei]

To have Israel seeking an arrangement with gulf states, notably Saudi Arabia, really drives home the point that the enemy of my enemy is my friend.

The gulf royals are the moderate Muslims Bush keeps talking about. The problem is that their populations are not anywhere near as moderate. And any deviations from religious orthodoxy on the part of the royals could lead to assassination attempts or even coups. The Shah's attempt to secularize the country led to the Iranian revolution. Unfortunately, inside every Muslim isn't an American struggling to get out.

[bert]

Time is important. The old line is being replaced by younger savy less radical educated leaders