Iraqi and Arab diplomats say they expect Iraq to concentrate next on recapturing parts of the Majnoon oil fields, on the border.

Recently, Israeli and Arab diplomats came to Washington to talk about peace prospects.

The move came far more swiftly than many Western and Arab diplomats had expected.

Western and Arab diplomats assert that the most surprising thing is the durability of the peace accord.

This was also the view of European and Arab diplomats dealing with the United States on issues in the Middle East in the last few days.

European and Arab diplomats say they still think it is possible that peace negotiations will resume.

French and Arab diplomats said it was too early to determine the details of the talks that led to the release.

Mr. Kurtzer, who is 39 years old, gets high marks from Israeli and Arab diplomats for the depth of his knowledge of the Middle East.

He is experienced in dealing with European and Arab diplomats and top officials at the United Nations, whose support is considered crucial for the stability of Iraq.

He meets regularly with Western and Arab diplomats.