Between Tehran and Jerusalem
by David Govrin from Haaretz
These developments are taking place against the background of what looks like a "cold war" between the Arab world's Sunni and Shi'ite camps. The Shi'ites, who constitute 10 to 15 percent of all the Muslims in the Arab world, see the strengthening of Iran as an opportunity to challenge the balance of power between them and the Sunni majority. The transfer of Iraq to Shi'ite control, for the first time in its history, constitutes a first step for them on the way to a comprehensive change in the balance in the region. Giving expression to the Shi'ite demographic majority and the translation of this into significant political representation in the government of Lebanon headed by Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, or alternatively the toppling of that government by Hezbollah and its followers, fit into this strategy very well. This forecast is worrying the Sunni leadership, headed by the Saudis.