[The Vast Right Wing]

To the contrary, nothing would be better than having the world see Arafat renege on a deal personally negotiated by Bush. It gives Bush all the amunition in the world to say that he has made an strong effort to promote peace, that he was able to twist Sharon's arm into accepting a deal he didn't like, but that ARAFAT wouldn't compromise or negotiate in good faith. Now that Bush has this chip, it is time to put Arafat and the rest of the PA out to pasture. Now Bush can say to the world "My experience with Chairman Arafat is that he does not want to resolve this issue, he does not want peace."

[r9etb]

Well said.

[last_one_standing]

It all depends on whether Bush has the backbone to stand with the IDF togo in and do what needs doing. After that picture show with the clown prince in Texas, I really don't know where Bush is getting his advice.

[CedarDave]

To give Clinton his due, in December 2000 his negotiators gave Arafat a sweetheart deal that the Israelis accepted. Arafat reneged on that agreement and things have only escalated since then. It seems that each recent President has to learn personally that terrorists of whatever stripe can not be trusted to keep their word. If Bush keeps trying to forge a peace with people that have no honor or scruples, their dirt will eventually end sticking to him.

[GoldenBear]

I agree! The question is will Bush act on the opportunity that has been presented to him and put an end to Arafat's regime.