It has taken much longer in the Middle East. but I believe Israels neighbors are slowly coming around. Like Israel. Vermont has always had an unusual interest in events beyond its borders. engaging in outreach around the globe. Moved by the human suffering in Europe. Vermont declared war on Nazi Germany 3 months before Pearl Harbor. Touched by the plight of Bosnian Moslems. Israel has been airlifting Moslem refugee families to Israel. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. I had the privilege of traveling to the Middle East in February to assess the situation and to measure the commitment of the various parties to the peace process.