Israel’s 34-day war on Lebanon crystallized Washington’s position in the Middle East conflict. The Bush administration’s unequivocal support of Israel’s actions has further alienated US from the Arab world and even succeeding in distancing traditional allies such as Saudi Arabia.The Saudis – like the Jordanians and the Egyptians – secretly wished for a quick war that would cut Hizbullah down to size, but as the conflict dragged, these leaders had no option but to call for a ceasefire. It was to no avail: the US only succeeded in losing more hearts and minds in the region, giving birth to a new generation of anti-US resentment. Burning issuesGiven the circumstances, Washington can hardly pretend to be an objective broker to a peaceful settlement to the Arab-Israeli dispute. That is, if the issue of peace talks ever were to surface again in the little time – less than two years now –
