The unique character of the revolt in Iran has been the power of the fast SMS/Twitter tools and the younger age group that used it. Those who grew up using their thumb as a main tool of communication  also know that they are breaking new grounds. There are no rules for this political game, and the modes of expression and their strategic models are written while hitting the ground.

The Iranian crowds are living through the "largest increase in expressive capability in human history," as defined by Clay Shirky, author of Here Comes Everybody.

Iranian youth know that the authorities can try to follow them, but they also know that fast and furious is the way to go. The authorities will always be a step behind.

The greatest effect of the whole phenomenon is that Iran has gained a new face. Instead of relating to Ahmadinejad as the only face of Iran, we now see a multitude of younger people. We have human rights movements that will make a difference for the future. The USA and Israel, which have often held a one-dimensional view of Iran, will have a new challenging set of questions to answer.

The recent re-election of Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has resulted in mass protests throughout Iran. Many Iranian protesters believe that the elections were rigged and that their reform candidate, Mir Hossein Mousavi didn't get a fair play. Much of the news out of Iran has been focused on the clashes between police and protestors.

Although the Iranian regime has banned foreign coverage of these protests, Iranian citizens have quickly filled the void by providing some dramatic images of these protests. I commend the Iranian people's determination to tell their stories through new media. Iranians are blogging, tweeting and uploading videos of these protests. These citizen semi-journalists are serving as part advocate for their cause and part journalist to tell a wider public about their story. This may be the future of journalism as we know it.

Much like the American public wanted change in the 2008 elections, Iranian people wanted change in these elections. Americans got the change they demanded. Iranians didn't. Let's hope that these protests and the efforts of citizen semi-journalists can at least pressure the regime to become more accountable (and perhaps more democratic) to an increasingly frustrated public.

The rhetoric will heat-up even more between Tehran and Tel Aviv in the coming months. But there will likely be no major actions taken. Israel has been simulating attacks on Iran for many years—war games. Although, the upcoming military exercise will be the biggest in its history. Likewise, Iranian President, Ahmadinejad, has, for too long, spewed his inflammatory rhetoric about Israel. But, most people understand that Ahmadinejad has little power in a country controlled primarily by the religious elite, who are much more rational and calculating.

All sides know that any military strike will be disastrous for the entire region, not just the two sides involved. So, I don’t share your doomsday scenario of war in the region. U.S. President Obama’s peacemaking efforts in the region will be critical in lowering the desert temperaments and bringing both sides down to earth, safely.

This report by Russia Today discusses the growing tension between Israel and Iran, highlighting that, ironically, the largest Jewish population outside of Israel is in Iran. 

During the recent visit, King Abdullah II of Jordan focused on one subject when talking with Obama: all the roads in the Middle East lead to Jerusalem and Palestine. As Bibi, Israel's new PM, is arriving soon in DC with an Iranian agenda and a timetable, it does not look to me like anyone is on the same page. Israel is organizing a major trial exercise of civil defense in July. Afterwards, all will be ready to attack Iran, unless Obama produces a new understanding with Tehran.

The rhetoric between the President of Iran and Israeli leaders have reached new heights of hate and disinformation. Many times leaders climb up high trees, only to have difficulty descending when the stakes are high. So then war breaks out as words are turned into action, and fighting seems unavoidable. It happened before in our region. The nuclear issue has become a focus for the Israeli goverment, in its relation with the USA. Obama is being tested, as his 'let us talk before we shoot' dialogue diplomacy is only in its infancy. A nuclear Middle East is a nightmare to everyone concerned, and Israel has sworn that Iran will NOT become such a power. There is a timetable of three months before the call will be made by Israeli leaders, and we find out if Obama is helpful, or if his diplomacy is a pie in the sky...

If Israel can not get along with its ally, Islamic Turkey, how will it ever achieve peace with its enemy, Islamic Iran? This was Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan’s response to Israeli PM Shimon Peres’ emphatic statement that Israel seeks peace and does not like to use force.

There is such a gap of misconceptions between Iran and Israel. Add to this the fact that I think both Iran and Israel manipulate the USA in different ways. Thevmedia has halped fuel the situation through a lot of stereotype reporting. As I see both Al-Alam and IBA,no effort is being made to show some more clear thinking. It all has become a mix of national and religious emotions and preaching to the crowds. The more you fulminate against the other side you win points. So there is a long way to go before any real breakthrough can be achieved.

Many Americans do not realise that Iran is not an ARAB country. This is a unique culture and has 5000 years history. We Israelis have also a very long history with the Iranians. Now we are at a turning point as the Nuclear issue is looming above us all. Obama comes in at a crucial moment, and could start a new page if the regime in Iran will listen. The scorched earth that BUSH left behind,is difficult to overcome. Also Ahmadinejad Holocaust denial speeches are a major obstacle!

A dialog of the deaf is redefinable only by bold moves on both sides.

I agree, David. We have to wait and see. Obama is making the right gestures, which is good. But Arab and Muslim publics are not easily fooled.  If Obama chooses the same track of diplomacy towards Israel then little will have changed. But let us agree to wait at least 100 days before passing any judgment. What is the Hebrew equivalent of ‘be patient’?

Meanwhile, what are your thoughts on Iran? I just read this story, which reports that President Obama is drafting a letter to Iran. I think that it is in both the U.S. and Israel’s interest to begin a rapproachment with Iran. What do you think?