Most of the reporting in this edition of the Digest is aimed at giving our readers a clearer portrait of Israel's new leader Ehud Barak, and where he may be heading. He quickly has commanded center stage in the ever-unfolding drama of the Middle East peace process. Just as swiftly, his predecessor Binyamin Netanyahu has receded into private life. As he enters this new phase in his life, we want to express our gratitude for his genuine appreciation of Christians who support Israel on the basis of sound biblical principles. He understood and welcomed us as a potentially powerful ally for his nation perhaps better than anyone who has ever held office as Israel's Prime Minister.