If the letter's true, it's new because they haven't shown any particular avoidance of certain ruthless tactics. It says to me they are concerned about the way they are being perceived in the Muslim world,

The U.S. ambassador there is very visible in his meetings over the constitution. There is the impression that the United States is driving this, and that is not a good thing.

They are expecting a Palestinian state on President George W. Bush 's clock.

This is a positive indication since a large number of people in the Arab world don't view the current conflict as an Islam-Christian conflict.

Anyone who says there's apathy at the University of Maryland is not here tonight.

The most important part of the commission is that you have a process that is credible, ... The Palestinians, in particular, feel that the U.S. has jumped to the conclusion of blaming them first and they have wanted to investigate that.

Those people who are going to rally behind him are going to rally behind him dead or alive,

Both sides are wrapped up in their own political dynamics, ... helping Sharon without hurting Abbas and helping Abbas without hurting Sharon.

You can argue that in recent years, Fahd's own personal paralysis has led to Saudi political paralysis. Abdullah is seen as in charge, but not really in charge. Fahd's physical survival has prevented anyone else from being king, and in some ways has preserved a degree of stability.

You'll find businesses where you hear Arabic and Hebrew right next to each other. It's not perfect, don't get me wrong, but there is a high level of comfort, where people have reconciled. There are genuine friendships and genuine alliances across communal lines.