DIPLOMACY: A Triumphant Middle East Hegira

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Nixon's determined efforts to put his prestige behind a new U.S. policy in the Middle East—one aimed at accomplishing the balancing act of supporting both the Arabs and the Israelis simultaneously—marks just the beginning of the search for a lasting peace in the area. Cease-fires and disengagements of forces are one thing, but even more difficult problems lie ahead. What is to become of the Palestinian refugees? How much Arab territory should Israel give up?

Who is to rule Jerusalem?

Yet Nixon's tour was a good beginning, characterized by realism and restraint on all sides. Once again Richard Nixon proved that he travels well and can be a gifted President in the intricate realms of foreign policy. But that is only part of any President's duties, and his failures in the large area that has come under the Watergate rubric will be waiting to be reckoned with on his return.