Saudi, in Emotional Plea to Israel, Offers ‘Land for Peace’ Proposal. The impassioned speech at the Arab summit — disturbed by the dispute over Arafat’s nonpresence and, most recently, what has been described as Lebanon’s blockage of a planned Arafat speech by satellite television from the occupied territories — met with even grudging support from hardliner Assad of Syria. The Bush Administration, by the way, was roundly condemned for its inability to exert more influence on Sharon around permitting Arafat to attend. However, privately, moderate Arab states in favor of a straightforward peace initiative may well have welcomed a conference without the risk of unscripted theatrics from the Palestinian leader, analysts speculate. The absence of Egypt’s Hosni Mubarak and representatives from approximately half of the Arab League, however, may compromise the unanimity of the offer. NY Times No reaction from Israel is reported. Certainly, Sharon’s dilemma is that he is called upon to make a tangible, almost irrevocable move – giving up land — for the promise of a revocable intangible, ‘recognition of Israel’s right to exist.’ On the other hand, does he have another choice? Suicide Bomber Kills 15 in Israeli Hotel; Hamas Makes Claim Reuters via Yahoo!