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.