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The Portuguese Presidency took place between two landmarks of the Israel-Palestinian question: the Hamas takeover in Gaza on June IS, 2007 & the Annapolis Conference, on November 27. Although the European Union did support the policy of ostracization of Ham as imposed by the Quartet, it was not always easy to deal with the diverse positions of the 27 member states of the EU. As a consensus-builder, Portugal adopted a position of neutrality vis-a-vis the several European sensitivities but did not shy away from putting the most controversial issues on the table, including Israeli colonates in the occupied territories. Adapted from the source document.

When George W. Bush took office in 2000 he intended to scale back U.S. engagement in the Middle East. September 11 changed all of that. The "War on Terror" became the main priority of American foreign policy. Under that label the administration has followed an aggressive & determined course of action in the Middle East. Seven years later, the results of that strategy are, to say the least, controversial. Adapted from the source document.

After the establishing of diplomatic relations between Portugal & the People's Republic of China in 1979 the main issue in bilateral relations was the question of Macau. Once the transfer of sovereignty was completed in 1999, the two countries could look forward to a new chapter with broader-based & less-constrained relations. China will become more relevant in the 21st century in the foreign policies of every country. Portugal should not be an exception to that rule & thus it must take stock of its priorities in future relations with China. Adapted from the source document.

American foreign policy changed deeply during George W. Bush's first mandate. It no longer is a reactive policy upholding the status quo, seen as favorable to US interests. It has become an offensive policy trying to change an international situation which is suddenly perceived as a threat. The messianic dimension of Bush's rhetoric, largely inspired by Woodrow Wilson, has troubled many countries, including some European allies. It remains to be seen how this trend in transatlantic relations will evolve in the second term. Adapted from the source document.