"The Israeli-Hizbollah conflict emphasized the spreading influence of Iran in the region. You warned once of a "Shiite Crescent" from Iran through Iraq to Syria and Lebanon. How do you see the Iranian threat?
There is no doubt that Iran is a regional player and I think we have to engage them on that level. But again, the cards that are being played or the areas of contention can be found in Palestine, can be found in Lebanon and can be found in Iraq, and this is why I believe by moving one process, it could easily lead to another.
I do believe that if the Palestinian process were to move forward, it would be easier to tackle the Lebanese and Syrian processes. Once we get the peace camp strengthened, then future issues with Iran in the region are less tense and may not be thought of as an issue of conflict but an issue of dialogue. This is why I keep going back to the Palestinian issue, saying that if we get one process moving, it deflates the emotions of the people in this region and allows people to think clearly.
Today, the Arab streets are more enamored with radicals and radical rhetoric than of the listening to moderates talking about peace and coexistence. I think the peace camp and the moderate camp in the Middle East are in a very weak position. If we don't make a major shift in policy in the Middle East, then people will only hear radical arguments, and I think that would be a cost to all of us, including Israel.
I think today Israel has to decide: does it want to continue to be fortress Israel or does it want Israel included in the neighborhood?"
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