Asia Pacific

"Palestinians also poll high on the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails and an improvement of economic conditions which requires the easing of the Israeli siege on Palestinian cities. Among respondents, 64 percent in Gaza and 46 percent in the West Bank believe that the disengagement from Gaza will improve economic conditions. The majority overall (56 percent) expect consolidation of ties and a territorial link between the two areas in the aftermath of Israel’s disengagement."

"Since Syria has provided some help to the United States in the war on terrorism, perhaps the U. S. government should use carrots instead of sticks. Instead of imposing new sanctions, the United States could offer to remove existing sanctions if the Syrians tighten up the border. And if, by some miracle, an eventual political settlement that quelled the violence was ever reached in Iraq, a better relationship with Syria might provide the Assad government with an incentive not to undermine it. But the U.S. government keeps soldiering on with its bellicose—and counterproductive—policy toward Syria, which could put the United States on a trajectory for war with that nation."

"...President Bush still has more than three years left in his second term. A lot can still happen and if his strategists can figure a way out of this downward spiral and catch a few good breaks, he may still be able to regain lost strength. But if Bush’s troubles continue, he will face more problems at home and in the conduct of foreign affairs."

"The apex of the Times hierarchy has provided no indication of personal remorse or institutional accountability. And the next time agenda-setting for U.S. military action -- against Iran or Syria or wherever -- shifts into high gear, it’s very unlikely that the New York Times or other top-tier U.S. media outlets will present major roadblocks."

"Unfortunately, there seems to be a flipside argument that defines one’s level of moderation based on one’s political stance on the Israel and Palestine issue."

"...what is important to understand about Darby’s seven-year twist is that Christian Fundamentalist Zionists believe a whole sequence of events must happen for Jesus to return. They claim there needs to be the rebirth in the nation of Israel, the takeover of East Jerusalem, the rebuilding of the Jewish temple, and then the rapture of an evil, Antichrist. They base these claims on Revelation 6-19."

"In the Bush either-or, black or white world, it makes sense that those who are not Good Americans are Bad Americans."

"It seems that the Palestinian President is "dancing with the wolves" by trying to negotiate and mediate between them to end the lawlessness, while the wolves are attacking his flock at night. President Abbas should reconsider this tactic. If the wolves attack and threaten his flock, he should find a way to protect them from the disobeying wolves and not to appease the wolves. Ultimately he has to fight those who oppose law and order. He has to work on putting an immediate end to the lawlessness."