[Jim Robinson]

Well, he gave the perfect example to defend his statement, Ronald Reagan: The Soviet Union is an evil empire.

[Bokababe]

Well, he gave the perfect example to defend his statement, Ronald Reagan: The Soviet Union is an evil empire.

And I actually agree with Newt, historically. But the Newt example wasn't completely honest, because Newt's position wasn't at all Ronald Reagan's position on the Palestinians -- and Newt had to know that because this article is from the CFR and Newt is also a CFR member.

[kabar]

I was in Berlin when Reagan gave his "tear down this wall speech" and prior to that in Warsaw during martial law. There is some truth to the statement that the State Department advised Reagan not to use the evil empire label and not to include in his speech, "Mr Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" I can tell you that Reagan's remarks were well received in Poland (they just dedicated a statue in his memory not far from our Embassy and in Berlin. Reagan was right and the diplomats were wrong.

However, the circumstances surrouding our relationship with the Soviet Union is far different than our role as the intermediary between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Ostensibly, we have tried to be an objective mediator helping both parties to arrive at a solution. Once you describe one party to the negotiations as illegitimate, you have lost all credibility with the Palestinians. I don't think the Israelis would find that helpful.