Love at First Wonk

Everyone says brainiacs Clinton and Barak are made for each other. But can they cut a peace deal?

Who is smarter, U.S. President Bill Clinton or Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak? James Carville, who has served both men, had to think a minute. "Barak is probably the most unique person I've met in terms of his range of skills," he explains. "Clinton is brilliant but nowhere near the mathematician or musician that Barak is." Then again, Carville notes, the President has astonishing people skills.

That combustible mix of charm and intellect was on vibrant display last week as the two men grinned their way from photo op to photo op, cementing what they clearly hope will become a fast...

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