A Time for New Thinking about the Middle East

Mr. Perle spoke from experiences and expertise as former assistant secretary of defense. He called the Persian Gulf war “a war conducted with extraordinary skill, courage, and determination.” He talked about the leadership of President Bush, former Prime Minister Thatcher, the president of Turkey, and the Saudi Arabian ambassador to the United States. A major part of the success of the war was the restoration of America’s national strength and unity. The impact of the war on Israel and the long-standing conflict between Jews and Arabs. He called this a time for new thinking about the Middle East. Mr. Indyk echoed Mr. Perle by saying, “don’t let the dust settle.” The region cannot go back to business as usual without addressing Israel and the Jewish state. close