be fair and balanced in its influence on the problems of the Middle East.

The President has an exaggerated influence on what happens between the Israelis and the Palestinians and must use that influence wisely and fairly. Until now--and continuing--the White House has tipped the scales in favor of the Israelis. This is unwise and unfair. I suggest he should step back publicly from being on the side of one party or another. He should declare that Israel has our military support for its guaranteed existence, but that, as a state among the world's community of states, Israel is not more important than any other state. He should state that if the parties want peace, let them make peace--it is their responsibility, not ours. If and when the Palestinian initiative in the UN comes before the Security Council for a vote, the US should abstain.