Political Quotes

“I want to make note of a headline in the Washington Post today: ``Bomb's Fallout Sets Back Goals of Palestinians.'' It goes on to say that Chairman Arafat's call for a cease-fire was seen as the result of shifting opinion. It refers to the suicide bombing last Friday night when 20 innocent teenagers in Tel Aviv lost their lives. It was the single largest act of terrorism since violence began last September. This cycle of violence in the Middle East has got to come to an end. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Chairman Arafat swiftly denounced the attack and called for a cease-fire. I have to commend the Israeli Government for exercising restraint and not engaging in the retaliation that was anticipated following this terrible incident. Mr. Speaker, Prime Minister Sharon under immense pressure showed restraint. The international community stands behind that restraint; but clearly these volatile events require this administration to get involved in the Middle East. Sending CIA Director George Tenet is the right thing to do. We need him in the Middle East. We need United States involvement in the Middle East, and we need to use the Mitchell Commission as the pathway to peace. This violence has to stop.”