t territories, he later did an about-face. it was a controversial decision and remains a controversial decision now. one thing we're hearing or talking to israelis is that they praise him for leadership and that's one thing that is lacking across the entire political spectrum here in israel right now. he was a man, they say, willing to make tough decisions. and, john, israelis really miss that characteristic. they want more leadership. they want more politicians willing to make really tough decisions. john? >> certainly no question that sharon was famous for making those tough decisions. connor powell in jerusalem, thanks so much. for more on this and troubling new developments in the middle east with resurgence of al qaeda in iraq, we turn to two key senators. from oklahoma, james inhoff, ranking member from the foreign services committee. senator inhoff, why don't we start with you. as we start off this segment, why don't we start with you. your thoughts on the passing of aerial sharon? >> well, mine are quite different, john. we had an unusual relationship.