The perspective from a Middle East in confusion and turmoil, especially at this Thanksgiving, can only be one that speaks of hope. The imploding of Iraq, the stalemate on the Palestinian-Israeli peace process, rising tensions with Iran are all signposts of pain and turmoil. The combination of instability, territorial tensions and religious and ethnic divides are displacing populations, and putting at risk an explosive region where seeds of discontent usually grow into violent shrubbery.

Although political ideologues may blame the Americans for this sorry state of affairs, a realist has to conclude that the blame should be placed equally on the shoulders of the region’s leadership as at Washington’s door.

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