VOL. XL

No. 51/52

22/29 December 1997

The Political Scene

A dramatic call from Iranian President Mohammad Khatami for a dialogue with the UShas been welcomed by President Clinton. Any rapprochement between the two countries,however, is likely to face stiff opposition from hard-liners in Iran and Israel'ssupporters in the US Congress. Following their latest talks with US Secretary of StateMadeleine Albright, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian AuthorityPresident Yasir...