To understand why dictators have a problem with making peace - or at least a genuine peace - the link between the nature of a regime and its external behavior must be understood.

As soon as people become a little less fearful, they will also begin demanding more freedom.

Bush explained his fundamental concept to me, that freedom is not an American invention, but rather a gift from God to all people.

Will dissent be permitted? The answer to that question will determine whether the society is a free society or a fear society.

The central premise behind Oslo was that if Arafat were given enough legitimacy, territory, weapons and money, he would use his power to fight terror and make peace with Israel.

Arafat rejected the deal because, as a dictator who had directed all his energies toward strengthening the Palestinians hatred toward Israel, Arafat could not afford to make peace.

On the other hand, if the free world is concerned with how a new Palestinian leader governs, then the peace process will have a real chance to succeed.