Then of course we have the war in Iraq. This war has escalated out of control in terms of security and has in fact created a new training ground for terrorists. This is an alarming fact. As these conflicts increase and the more that that Western countries are seen to be implicated or perceived to be taking sides, so the threat of terrorism and terrorist attacks in foreign lands becomes a greater potential reality. The terrible events of 9/11 are a continual reminder or this fact.

Numerous commentators warn that unless a peaceful solution to the central conflicts in this region is found, the threat of terrorist attack in and outside the region will increase. It should be remembered that terrorist attacks in the West are usually motivated by perceptions of Western involvement in the Middle East. Whether these perceptions are correct or not is not the immediate issue. What is important is that unless a more stable Middle East is achieved this threat will become imminent.

Part of the solution to the problem is an awareness of the reason for the problems in the fist place. It is important that we realize that there is this perception among many people in the Middle East that Western Countries like the United States have been complicit in the violence and aggression in the region. Whatever ones one's view on this subject, there is a certain amount of historical validity to this claim in view of the often-questionable involvement of Western and colonial powers in the...

The main players in this region and the world realize with alarm that a nuclear Iran will make it the dominant country in the region and will place it in potential conflict with Israel.
There are attempts to move towards a solution to these problems. Meetings are being held and diplomacy is underway to find a peaceful solution to the issues. However, these attempts at governmental level have been in the past largely unsuccessful. The reason for this lies largely in the pervasive impression of Western interference and hidden agendas.

A true solution to the problem would involve changing these perceptions and thereby reducing the potential for further conflict. Of course, the situation is more complex than this would suggest. The various interest groups within the regions also have to come to terms with one another. However, raising awareness of the problem and the potential dangers in the public consciousness is a start towards any real solutions.

The search for peace in the region has become a priority at an international level. If the situation is allowed to increase in intensity there can only be one logical outcome - a breakdown of order and control in the region which would have severe repercussions for the entire world. This is a conclusion that must be avoided at all costs.