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CNN Live Today

Interview with Rob Sobhani, Georgetown University

Aired April 17, 2002 - 10:15   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Israel has compared its offensive against the Palestinians to America's war in Afghanistan. There is considerable debate about whether that is an accurate comparison, but there is no question that both conflicts have captured the world's attention.

Joining us now to talk about what is happening in the Middle East is Rob Sobhani of Georgetown University -- good morning.

ROB SOBHANI, GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY: Good morning.

KAGAN: As I understand, you are just back from the region, visits to Bahrain and Qatar?

SOBHANI: Yes.

KAGAN: And can you tell us about the perception there of Secretary Powell's visit?

SOBHANI: I think in the countries of the Persian Gulf area, modern Arab states, there was enormous hope, and still is, that Secretary Powell can somehow bring the parties together. And I think the biggest...

KAGAN: Even now you think there is still hope?

SOBHANI: Even now. Absolutely, absolutely. Because I, for example, met with the officials from Bahrain and Qatar, and they both expressed to me not a sense of anger so much as they want to see the United States do more. And I think that's why they still have the hope that somehow when Secretary Powell comes back to Washington and talks to President Bush, there may be yet another initiative. And I think that's where they are pinning their hopes on -- that we will not be disengaged. We are now going to be engaged.

KAGAN: Well, when you say do more, do you think they are talking about the proposal for this conference that might take place?

SOBHANI: Absolutely, because to the extent that within the Arab World...

KAGAN: Rob?

SOBHANI: Yes. KAGAN: I'm sorry, Rob, I don't mean to interrupt you. I am sorry. The president running a little early today. He is speaking at VMI, Virginia Military Institute.

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