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.

I think that Iran is willing to listen if it ensures that the current regime stays in place. Obama needs to ensure that any reconciliation will not mean the end of the current regime. If Obama can turn a new page with Iran and bring Israel into the picture, then we can say he will have done the impossible. But tensions between Iran and Israel are too high let alone Iran and the U.S. Iran has been courting the U.S for years. Certainly, Ahmadinejad’s Holocaust denial has not been helpful. Neither has  recent Israel’s wars against Lebanon and the Palestinians in addition to its past wars and invasions, which many of us has forgotten. These aggressions have served to fuel the anti-Israel rhetoric coming out of Tehran. The gap between the two countries is large. By bold moves, I hope you mean by both Israel and Iran in addition to the U.S...

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?

You need to give Obama at least a 100 days. Even the longest march starts with words and attitudes. I believe that if Obama and the Arab world can not create a bridge,than no one else can. Stana Schwiue- please be patient-in Arabic.

So watch what he does and not what he says. He will be out of Iraq sooner than later, and will talk to Israel in a different way.

Today an Israeli soldier was killed and four others were wounded by an explosive device that targeted their vehicle on the Gaza Strip border. Israel retaliated and a Palestinian farmer was killed while tilling his field. It seems that the cycle of violence continues despite a fragile ceasefire.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Obama recently spoke to Al Arabia news station about the Middle East conflict. This was his first official interview since becoming president. He is calling for better dialogue between the U.S. and the Arab/Muslim world. Dialogue is good but doesn’t go far enough. Words must be followed by tangible (not symbolic) actions. The Arab and Muslim worlds should respond by calling for better policies from the U.S. and the West, particularly towards the Israeli-Arab conflict.

It a shame that we in the Mideast-Arab and Jews have to repeat these cycles.

As usual the pawns are civilians who pay the highest price

Cycles that leave scorched earth behind and no real attempt to understand the the other  side. Self delusion about being correct and just in whatever you do, is apparently the block to any change, it goes for both religious and secular actors in the Middle east

David, it pains me to see dead and burned men, women and  children in Gaza. Today there was a story on Al Alam television. The reporter said that the wounds of this war will never heal over time because the scars of this war will remain on the bodies of its victims forever. Certainly, the IDF has prided itself for having a purity of arms. Palestinians are all too familiar with such purity. But this is not purity, this is inhumanity. According to reports on the ground, the weapons the IDF is using makes people loose their eyes and sight. They will never see again. Forget eye to eye.  For 18 days, Arab and Western leaders have remained silent despite the extreme human suffering in Gaza. When will it end? How many people have to die? How many people have to go blind?

it is difficult to get away from the war and its impact on everything you believe in. As Israeli Army bombs Gaza I do not recognize it,as the army I served in. It is brut force,that leaves behind it only scorched earth, it is not eye for an eye but 100 eyes for and eye.

david

DAVID: For me growing up in the Middle East meant Eye for an Eye. The Arabs as a rule would be in your crosshair and not potential partners for a life together. As war is a way of life in the Middle East, and as I grew up in Jerusalem, one of the most polarized cities in the world, this should not surprise you. I know that you live and spent your childhood away from the conflicts of our area, but for sure your family passed on to you what is happening. As a child and member of the Israeli Army I came to my awakening to a need to be EYE TO EYE later in my life. In 1967 when the occupation brought me face to face with my fellow Palestinians. The story of my relations with the Palestinians I will tell you some other time. To be brainwashed about the “eternal enemy” is a very easy process we undergo- demonizing the other side. As we come from such different background, I find it amazing that we ready for this honest talk. This talk would not be possible in the Middle East. It happens after we work together for the sat 5 years. We should open up this option, to all possible directions. You strike me as a person who wants to reach out and see and listen to the “Other”. As I am so different than others- Jewish, Secular, Male and Israeli.

SOUHEILA: I lived away from the conflict area all my life. But spending summers in the Middle East, I was always close and I was always reminded of the conflict that existed just beyond the borders of Syria, where my parents came from more than 30 years ago. For me Eye 2 Eye is way to know and speak to you and to all in an honest and open way. In the Middle East, Arabs are conditioned to think one way about Israel and the subsequent governments that rule. Most Arabs have probably never met a Jew or an Israeli. They only know the other through their television sets and newspapers. I have met and befriended many people from the Jewish faith (among many others). After five years of working with you and I look forward to this experiment in communication. Especially now, as the Gaza Strip is embroiled in a fierce war. Israel vs Gaza. Sadly, too many people are dying. And for what? The situation is so bad that I did even not want to start this blog because I was so sad and frustrated about the future there. Ultimately communication and dialogue with the other is what will get the Israelis and Palestinians out of this mess. Not war. I think that together through our own dialogue we can do something positive ( even if it’s small) to contribute to the idea that Jews, Palestinians, Arabs, Muslims and Christians can coexist peacefully. After all we are on race, the human race. I too am very different- American, Arab, Muslim, Conservative, and Female!