UAE Press Editorial

Two major UAE English dailies today commented on latest developments in the Middle East region, including Washington's decision to attend the regional meeting on Iraq and the overtures by Hamas that it does not rule out engaging in dialogue with Israel but which the Tel Aviv refused to reciprocate.Commenting on the first issue under the title "The missing link?", the Dubai-based "Khaleej Times" said: "WHEN Washington suddenly changes posture and decides to attend the Baghdad conference alongside Iran and Syria, a line of reasoning and a conclusion quickly present themselves. The Bush administration's track record has left few with the view that its best minds possess any sort of outstanding diplomatic or political finesse."That rules out the possibility of the sudden diplomatic- engagement decision being another carefully planned move to isolate Iran on the wider Middle East chessboard. Therefore, it is likelier that Washington is still reacting to a situation on a nose-dive. This view is endorsed by the fact that the new move practically amounts to accepting the recommendations of the Iraq Study Group, which were only recently effectively rubbished."Also, there seem differing perceptions with regard to the course ahead within the most senior members of the Bush administration. Source