Cheney in Qatar on latest stop in Mideast tour

DOHA, Qatar (CNN) -- Vice President Dick Cheney arrived in Qatar Sunday, the latest stop of his marathon tour of the Middle East.

He told a group of Air Force personnel stationed in the region that the war against terrorism would continue "no matter how long it takes."

Cheney said the war would expand beyond Afghanistan to countries that have weapons of mass destruction they could share with terrorists.

During his 12-nation tour, Cheney has been working to build support among Arab leaders for tougher U.S. action against Iraq, one of three nations that make up what President Bush has called an "axis of evil."

Many Arab leaders have said they would not support new military action against Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, but U.S. officials said Cheney has been encouraged by the private discussions he has had with Arab leaders during the trip.

In Bahrain earlier Sunday, King Hamad and Crown Prince Salman called for diplomacy with Iraq but indicated the United States would be allowed to use its military bases if needed.

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"It's a bit early to speculate on a hypothetical, but Bahrain has always honored its commitments," Salman said.

Cheney also challenged reports that Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah was opposed to U.S. action against Iraq and had ruled out the use by Americans of Saudi Arabian bases.

"The only people in the meeting were the crown prince and myself, plus an interpreter, and I have his notes," Cheney said. "So there, I think, has been a lot of speculation about my conversations as I travel through the region and I think a lot of it has been uninformed."

The conflict between Israelis and Palestinians had also been a major topic on Cheney's agenda during the trip.

"The ongoing campaign between the Israelis and Palestinians is a preoccupation for everyone in this part of the world," Cheney said.

The vice president said he hopes the Israelis and Palestinians will have agreed to a cease-fire by the time he arrives Monday in Israel.

There, Cheney plans to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon as well as U.S. envoy retired Gen. Anthony Zinni.

He may also meet with a high-level Palestinian delegation.