The Middle East Situation

The brief visit to the region by US Secretary of State George Shultz has apparently done little to break the dead- lock over Middle East peace moves, though Egypt and Israel have renewed their direct dialogue on bilateral problems. Fear of a row with Israel is said to be a major factor be- hind indications that Washington may not approve the arms package currently sought by the Saudis. The air defenses of the Gulf states remain a focus for concern despite the...