For the allies to accept that would be to acquiesce in Iraq remaining a threat to Mideast peace.

For the first time since the Camp David agreements of 1978, the door is open to a historic Mideast peace.

A decade ago, when a Mideast peace seemed more feasible, Israeli texts described the many Palestinians who were forced from their homes in the 1948 war.

He has tried to strike a balance between challenging American policies on problems like Iran and Iraq and cooperating with Washington on other issues, like arms control and Mideast peace.

To the Editor: According to an Aug. 14 letter, Mideast peace can occur only when "both Palestinians and Israelis have an equal right to live wherever they choose in this special land."

Calling a recent Saudi Arabian proposal a "very strong platform" for a comprehensive Mideast peace, Yasir Arafat said today that its chances for success depended on immediate American support.

C1 ObituariesD25 Editorials/Op-EdA24-25 Editorials A clearer road to Mideast peace.

Questions and Answers Q. General Powell, Mideast peace has proved elusive for many years.

Jews, and friends of Jews, who do not pay careful attention to those events, see their connection to each other and to the chances of a lasting Mideast peace make a serious error.

"We regard the incident as unfortunate in light of the constructive role that Chairman Arafat has played in the Mideast peace process," said the spokesman, James P. Rubin.