ABSTRACT
This chapter analyzes George W. Bush policy toward the Arab-Israeli conflict in relation to the American War on Terror. It argues that a 'balancing act' has been struck between strategic needs for Arab and Muslim support for the War on Terror and the strategic and domestic pressures to support Israel and avoid appearing supportive of terror. The chapter discusses the context of US policy toward the Arab-Israeli conflict. It deals with prospects and implications of US policy and the creation of a Palestinian state. 'Success in Iraq', Bush offered, 'could also begin a new stage for Middle Eastern peace, and set in motion progress towards a truly democratic Palestinian state'. The chapter examines how the Bush Administration balanced domestic and strategic considerations after the events of 9/11, from the campaign in Afghanistan to the pending war against Iraq in the spring of 2003.
