Still, Israel cannot afford to let the most radical Palestinians drive the Mideast agenda.

Yesterday Syria reportedly told radical Palestinians based in Damascus to halt violence against Israel.

A group of less radical Palestinians asked the Palestine Liberation Organization for permission to meet with Mr. Shultz.

The actions indicated a stiffening of Yasir Arafat's resolve to deal forcefully with the radical Palestinians who are challenging his authority.

He has been an influential Palestinian figure for decades, though younger and more radical Palestinians view him as too willing to compromise with the Israelis.

Prime Minister Rabin has taken pains to try to satisfy conservatives, while Yasir Arafat has tried to avoid being outstripped by more radical Palestinians.

From the start, radical Palestinians attacked the agreement for not providing immediate statehood.

Middle East analysts in Washington say they believe such participants would face a high risk of assassination by radical Palestinians.

Arab delegates say that they feel safer here than in the Middle East, where radical Palestinian or other groups would like to sabotage the peace process.

Have you noticed how they always seem ready with excuses for terrorists, like radical Palestinians, who blow up little children in Israeli pizza parlors?