The questions of Middle East Peace

President Bush just completed the first Presidential press conference of his second term. There is much confusion surrounding Yasser Arafat's health, with one reporter asking for the President's response to the information that Arafat had passed away. The President responded, "God Bless his Soul."

Further reports throughout today have countered this reporters statement to the president. Several sources, including those close to Arafat, have indicated a huge deterioration in Arafat's health over the past 24 hours, however he is still alive.

Prime Minister Tony Blair indicated yesterday that he feels peace in the Middle East is one of the most, if not the most, important international issues on the horizon. Prime Minister Blair is hoping for support from the United States in the continued effort to bring this difficult peace into existence.