there was an incredible article about Lionel in GQ detailing how powerful he's regarded in Arab countries. There was even this piece about him having dinner on the Mediterranean and the head of the army for Syria was on one side of the restaurant and the head of the army for Israel was on the other. Apparently both parties eat there all the time (extremely wealthy folks only) both with their families and they were not allowed to interact or even glance at one another. When Lionel was there - both men ended up at his table and even exchanged fond words for one another although it was a bit uncomfortable. According to the writer of the article - that has never happened before and has never happened since.