participation has hurt the process? >> reporter: that is a great point to raise, because the last time this president was really publicly actively engaged in the peace process was last september here at the white house. he brought the zerisraelis and palestinians together. but right in the center of that photo was then-president mubarak. he's now obviously long gone as president of egypt. we've heard for years and years that he was one of the pillars in terms of bringing stability to the region, bringing the parties together. he's not in the picture anymore. so that raises more questions about the ability to broker mideast peace but also brings back that broader question of what can the president say next thursday to provide some hope for the region that the u.s. can help pick up all of these pieces. >> ed, i have to ask you about this. what about this libyan opposition leader? he's meeting with the american national be security advisor today in the west wing at the white house? >> that's right. >> is this a sign that the white house is moving closer to formal recognition of the rebels in