In his speech to the United Nations on Sunday, Arafat spoke of the pains of the Palestinian people and accused Israel of state terror. He made a plea to the world saying, "We call upon the international community represented by all of you and all supporters of peace, freedom, justice throughout the world to exert every possible effort to stop this war of aggression..."

Peres made a similar plea and also shed light on the terror that his people must endure daily. "As long as terror persists, Israel has no choice but to defend its people," said Peres. "The word "terror" doesn't describe an abstract dilemma for us. It refers to a reality of between thirty to forty violent incidents every day - shooting, bombing, ambushing and killing."

Both Arafat and Peres highlighted their devotion to ending the terror, while accusing the other of being non-compliant.

"We made our strategic commitment to peace, negotiations, peaceful solution to all outstanding issues between us and the government of Israel very clear and unequivocal," said Arafat. "Regrettably, the Israeli government instructed its army to escalate the military campaign..."

Peres told the General Assembly that "Israel is committed to contribute whatever she can to renew a real peace process." However, he expressed a need for Palestine to first rid itself of corruption or otherwise forever have neither democracy nor security.

Living in peace would be wonderful for both Israel and Palestine, neither leader disagreed on that point. How to achieve peace, even where to start, is where both leaders became a little less definite.

In his address to the UN, Peres highlighted technology and globalization as key factors that could potentially bring about peace. "Globalization decreased the importance of nations and increased the importance of worldwide connections. And as those connections permeated the farthest reaches of our planet, the path of progress appeared clear and limitless," he said.

At times, Peres spoke with great optimism. "There is enough strength and resolve in the midst of civilized nations to deflect evil," he said. In light of the September 11 attacks Peres spoke about the fight against terrorism, an issue where Arafat and Peres see eye to eye, saying it may be just the spark needed to continue dialogue.

At a meeting at the Council on Foreign Relations this afternoon, Peres talked about the Camp David accords, specifically about where it went wrong. Peres blamed Arafat's psychology, Clinton's methodology, and former Prime Minister of Israel Ehud Barak's strategy. He blamed Arafat for committing a "historic mistake" by refusing to accept the original proposal presented. He criticized Barak for having good will, but "not the right proportions" and offering too much. In his opinion, the finality of the agreement should not have been the first item on the agenda. "The happy end is at the end" not at the beginning, Peres told the audience.

When and if the next round of negotiations begin, Peres is adamant about what should not be done. "You never send to negotiate the highest authority," said Peres about the presence of Clinton. "Because if he fails, that's it!"

Addressing Arab and Muslim countries specifically, Peres called on the need to "privatize peace." He suggested establishing branches of not only non governmental organizations (NGOs) in these countries, but establishing branches of international businesses. Peres justified this need saying that giving Arab and Muslim countries a greater taste of life in a modern economy would be highly beneficial.