One note of interest here..
One of the points emphasized by George in his speech of intention Monday night.. was the establishment of some equitable government in Israel/Palestine..
The Palistinians have obliged.. they've pushed Yasser Arrafat one step farther away from complete control by creating the post of Prime minister..
What this means is that Arrafat has no say in the formation of the new Palistinian Cabinet.. While he retains control of the security forces, and the peace talks with Israel.. realistically this appears to be a move towards diluting the sweeping powers Arrafat has traditionally held..
This was one of the points George wanted settled.. and it signals clearly that Palestine.. and Israel.. will be ready to work towards ending their differences.. without the overwhelming influence of Hammas and perhaps what one American speechwriter will eventually get around to calling the 'Old Middle East'..