"It is not something we ask for," Ashrawiexplained, "but it is something that willhappen--not in this generation but in the next orin two generations."

In analyzing the breakdown of theland-for-peace formula and the chances for atwo-state solution, Ashrawi directed sharpcriticism at United State intervention in theMid-East, accusing the nation of an overtpro-Israel bias.

"The U.S. has taken sides," Ashrawi said. "Andthis creates a serious situation of imbalance."

"American credibility, influence, standing,and, of course, American interests in the region[are being] compromised," she said.

Ashrawi singled out political interest groupsthat donate to American politicians asparticularly damaging to the Palestinian cause.

"Now we understand that the Arab andPalestinian communities cannot deliver campaignfunds in U.S. elections," she said. "Congress ismeddling in areas which are none of its business."

Numerous audience members said they detected ahigh level of tension in the room during andimmediately following Ashrawi's presentation.

Some of the tension may have been triggered bya shortage of space, which forced HarvardUniversity Police officers to deny latecomersaccess to the room.

After all the seats had been filled, about 20people stood listening in the hall outside, andduring the course of the nearly two-hour speech, afew tried to fill seats vacated by audiencemembers who left early.

When those who sought to enter were rebuffed byguards at the door, a member of the audienceinterrupted Ashrawi to request that the policeallow the empty seats to be filled.

Ashrawi nodded approval as other audiencemembers spoke up on behalf of the seat-seekers.Finally Dr. Allan S. Counter, director of theHarvard Foundation, told the police officers, whosaid they had been trying to prevent disruptionsof the speech, to allow some standing audiencemembers to enter.

Except for this disruption, the audiencedevoted its full attention to Ashrawi Many praisedher articulate and passionate delivery.

"She presented the Palestinian narrative veryeloquently," said Adam J. Levitin '98, formerchair of the Hillel Forum.

But Levitin, who is also a Crimson editor,characterized the speech as "more of a one-sidedpiece of propaganda than a realistic vision of thestate of affairs in the Mideast.

Nadia I. Shihata '00, an officer of the ArabStudent Organization at Tufts University, had adifferent interpretation of Ashrawi's message.