George W. Bush, the former Texas governor and son of former President George Bush, succeeded Bill Clinton as president of the United States on January 20, 2001 - in the midst of increasing violence between Palestinians and Israelis.

Bush initially favored a less active role in Mideast affairs for the United States than that of his predecessor, but he has shifted his position somewhat following the release of a report from former U.S. Sen. George Mitchell's investigative committee that urged quick implementation of several proposals aimed at ending the violence.

Bush has spoken with Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, urging both men to do whatever is necessary to stop the violence, but he has so far allowed Secretary of State Colin Powell to take the lead on the issues.