In 1992, then AIPAC Deputy Director of Research and Information Michael Lewis charged that "Arabists" have become a major problem for Israel in the United States, distributing copies of the "Washington Report on Middle East Affairs" to an audience as evidence. He also wrote up his critique in AIPAC's "Near East Report". The "Washington Report" printed a rebuttal of Lewis' accusations. In 1997, Michael Lewis accused the "Washington Report" of promoting conspiracy theories (especially regarding the USS "Liberty" incident) and publishing reports that accuse Israel and Zionists of being collectively responsible for many issues in the United States and the Middle East. Lewis is now AIPAC's Director of Policy Analysis.