The US (not the hawks but definitely the doves) are beginning to realise that for the US to have a presence in the Middle East one of their biggest problems is Israel.
The Americans having vanquished Saddam now have the opportunity to consolidate their position on utiliarian grounds.
Their recent behaviour of pulling out of Saudi and pushing for the legitimae state of Palestine to me suggests they have thought the endgame through very thoroughly indeed.
The Arab block tends to get very emotional about a couple of things, and while they exist makes it almost impossible for the Yanks to win influence in the Middle East.
These things are;
1) Existence of a military presence in Saudi Arabia. 2) Existence of Isreal and Non Existence of Palestine. 3) Perception of being Isreal's big brother.
The Yanks are also an emotional lot but if nothing else utilitarism (self interest) will win the day and the doves have logic on their side.
Point one no longer exists as of last week, they are pushing hard for the EXISTENCE of Palestine. Don't be surprised if Isreal finds itself under pressure from the US to relent land in the coming months / years.
Just an observation from a person with no emotional atachment to either side.
