(Newsweek) Martha Brant - A glossary for decoding the most common talking points at White House briefings: Talking Point 1: "Yasser Arafat has not earned the president's trust." Meaning: Arafat is a liar. After the Palestinian leader denied knowing about the arms cache from Iran discovered aboard the Karine A, Bush wrote Arafat off completely. As one administration official puts it, "Next!" Talking Point 2: "This conflict is bigger than any one person." Meaning: Yasser Arafat is a terrorist. The White House brass believes this. So they try to pretend that Arafat's not there while working around him to develop relationships with others in the Palestinian Authority. Talking Point 3: "Israel has a right to defend itself." Meaning: Green light. (Unless followed by Talking Point 4.) Talking Point 4: "Israel has to be aware of the consequences tomorrow of any actions they take today." Meaning: Warning to Sharon. Don't go doing anything -- like exile Arafat -- that will scuttle the whole thing.
2002-06-27 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive