Quotes by Shibley Telhami

“They are expecting a Palestinian state on President George W. Bush s clock.”

“The U.S. ambassador there is very visible in his meetings over the constitution. There is the impression that the United States is driving this, and that is not a good thing.”

“You can argue that in recent years, Fahds own personal paralysis has led to Saudi political paralysis. Abdullah is seen as in charge, but not really in charge. Fahds physical survival has prevented anyone else from being king, and in some ways has preserved a degree of stability.”

“Both sides are wrapped up in their own political dynamics, ... helping Sharon without hurting Abbas and helping Abbas without hurting Sharon.”

“The polarization in Iran is clear and probably will grow. This is the kind of environment that can bring more tensions.”

“Those people who are going to rally behind him are going to rally behind him dead or alive,”

“He is terrifying to those who aspire to have a normal life because ... if it could be done to the United States, it could be done to them.”

“The most important part of the commission is that you have a process that is credible, ... The Palestinians, in particular, feel that the U.S. has jumped to the conclusion of blaming them first and they have wanted to investigate that.”

“I think clearly its going to satisfy people who have suspicion about some of it, but some will still have conspiracy theories and thats not going to stop.”

“Everyone assumed [the Clinton peace negotiations] would lead to the creation of a Palestinian state, ... The U.S., in effect, was working on what would be a Palestinian state, but the articulated policy was less than a Palestinian state.”