The roots of the problem lie with foreign policy rather than in society, civilization or American culture,

This is the beginning of the nightmare.

A debate is raging within the administration. They are taking a second look at the entire process of exerting pressure on authoritarian rulers in the Middle East.

Middle East rulers are delighted at the prospect of a less demanding stance from the American government.

The administration is so invested in Iraq, it really doesn't have any other ... political capital to spend on other theaters, like the Palestinian-Israeli theater.

There are many clouds on the horizon. The situation is very foggy and difficult to read.