Until those basic questions are resolved. in my Judgment there is no prospect of a comprehensive peace between Israel and the Arab States. and little chance for broader security cooperation between the United States and the moderate states of the area. Talking about a Soviet threat is not going to distract the Middle East countries from historic animosities. Unfortunately. the tragic assassination of Lebanese Presidentelect Bashir Gemayel and the ghastly mass murder of scores. perhaps hundreds. of innocent Palestinian men. women. and children in the refugee camps of West Beirut have aborted the more positive atmosphere that seemed to be emerging in that wartorn and bleeding country. Israel cannot evade its measure of responsibility for the violence that is shaking Lebanon to its foundations. The savagery of the Christian militias. who were permitted to enter the Palestinian refugee camps by Israeli forces. makes a terrible mockery of Israels claim of preserving order for its military move into West Beirut. The real reason for ignoring the agreement worked out by Philip Habib was to root out any PLO remnants. Israel must comply with its assurances given to the United States. pull back from West Beirut at once. and cease interfering with the Lebanese Armys reassertion of its authority in the city.