U.S. policy toward the Middle East is reaching a critical point. Although every U.S. instinct is to keep a safe distance from the explosive conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, the administration of President George W. Bush is being forced to take a more active role in the region. The success of U.S. policy will depend on its willingness to use its power and influence, especially with Israel, to encourage all sides to make a real peace. The failure to do so will undermine U.S. credibility in the region and around the world.

Mr. Bush took office deeply suspicious of U.S. involvement in the Israel-Palestinian conflict. He had seen his predecessor, President Bill Clinton, do his utmost to bring about a real peace; in the Bush administration's view, the subsequent failure undermined U.S. credibility and the power of the president. The administration's instinctive dislike for any Clinton policy compounded its reluctance to get dragged into the maelstrom. Mr. Bush's long-standing sympathy for Israel, his personal relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and his antipathy for Palestinian Authority leader Yasser Arafat reinforced his desire to keep the United States at arm's length.

That position appeared to give Israel the green light to do as it saw fit when dealing with the Palestinians. For many in the Muslim world, Washington was viewed as complicit in Israeli policy and actions. That perception has become problematic in the aftermath of Sept. 11.