VOL. XLIV

No 41

8 October 2001

ThePolitical Scene

In a move the Americans claim is unrelated to the 11 September terroristattacks, President Bush has raised the question of a Palestinian state,infuriating Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who has accused the US oftrying to appease the Arabs at Israels expense. US Defense Secretary DonaldRumsfelds tour of the region has provided further evidence that the US is takingits Arab friends vulnerabilities into account in forming its anti-terror...