A moment of truth in the Middle East
A DRAMATIC realignment of new alliances is being forged in the Middle East. Set against the backdrop of bourgeoning extremism, it is imperative to infuse hope, and identify the moderate forces seeking to cultivate peace and stability in the region.
Historically, conflict in the Middle East was defined by the struggle between Israel and the Arab world. Today, a new conflict has emerged between pragmatic moderates and fanatical extremists.
In this new conflict, Israel finds itself on the same side as the moderate Arab community. Both support the implementation of a two-state solution to resolve the ongoing issues surrounding the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Moderate Arabs also call for the renunciation of terrorism, and progression toward modernity and enlightenment.
On the other side of the divide stands an alliance of strong forces. Iran has proven to be a leader in promoting chaos and terrorism and exporting Islamic extremism throughout the Middle East. Syria cultivates an alliance of convenience with Iran in a desperate attempt to divert attention from its brutal machinations in Lebanon. Consequently, both Iran and Syria support Hezbollah, Hamas, and other Palestinian terrorist organizations as proxies in Lebanon and in the Palestinian territories.
In the wake of the war between Hezbollah and Israel, moderates in the Arab and Muslim world are beginning to grasp the danger of supporting these extremists. In Lebanon, the "new order" government is making an effort to exercise its sovereignty to ensure Lebanon is governed by the interests of the Lebanese, rather than the ambitions of the Syrians and the Iranians.
The Seniora government is courageously attempting to establish accountability for the political assassination of moderate Lebanese leaders, and is trying to suppress the armed militias of Hezbollah. Prime Minister Fouad Seniora recognizes that Hezbollah is responsible for the intense suffering of many Lebanese people through their unprovoked attack on Israel last summer.
In the Palestinian Authority, it is evident that Mahmoud Abbas is working to compel the Hamas-led government to accept Israel's right to exist, to renounce terrorism, and to accept previous agreements. Abbas understands the Palestinian right to self-determination is contingent upon the cessation of terrorism.
In the Arab world, there is a discernible fear of fundamentalism in moderate regimes, including Jordan, Egypt, the Gulf, and the Maghreb states. These nations are wary of Iranian ambitions and the dangers of a destabilizing extremist alliance.
In several recent meetings with Palestinian moderates, Israeli officials reiterated and fleshed out the message delivered Nov. 27 by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in his speech at Sde Boker.
In this speech, Olmert described Israel's intentions to make significant compromises in order to achieve the mutual goal of an independent and viable Palestinian state. Olmert said that progress will be achieved once the Palestinians both cease terrorism and violence against Israel, and recognize Israel's right to live peacefully and securely.
Olmert intends to empower moderates who can exert their influence over the future of the Middle East. He is sending a clear message that the Israeli-Palestinian equation is not necessarily a zero-sum game. Instead, there is a beacon of hope and a political horizon for those who will stand against extremism.
The challenge for Israel and for the international community is to differentiate between moderate factions that seek peace and extremist factions that seek destruction. It is essential to empower the moderates and to unite against the extremists. The international community must continue to stand together, and demand from Hamas the renunciation of terrorism, recognition of Israel's right to exist, and acceptance of previous agreements made by past Palestinian leaders.
It is equally important to implement and enforce UN Security Council Resolutions 1701 and 1559, which support Seniora's attempt to exercise its sovereignty over Lebanon. Lastly, it is vital that the international community act against Iran's nuclear ambitions and cut the support from Syria and Iran to terror organizations in the region.
Nadav Tamir serves as consul general of Israel to New England at the Consulate General of Israel located in Boston. 
