VOL. XLIV

No 39

24 September 2001

ThePolitical Scene

Last weeks terrorist assault onthe US has put an end to the Bush administrations benign neglect of the MiddleEast as the Americans seek to enlist Arab support for (if not participation in)the anti-terror coalition they are assembling. The first result has been anabrupt halt to Israels assault on Palestinian-controlled enclaves in theoccupied territories. Egypt has indicated that it is in no hurry to join anyAmerican coalition and would prefer...