What is clear is that these issues and the positions of the candidates on critical Middle East policy questions, should be the subject of greater public debate and press scrutiny. With the peace process at a critical stage, with the security of important U.S. allies and interests at risk in the Gulf, with the expectations that the U.S. will continue to have a significant involvement in the region-critical issues of Middle East policy cannot be ignored. There is today growing alienation from the U.S. developing in many sections of Arab public opinion. The persistence of a perceived U.S. double standard in its policy toward the region should be a matter of concern for those who seek to lead the U.S. during the next four years. Worn-out cliches, pandering and dangerous and provocative posturing will not do.
Substantive debate is needed.