The Middle East today is defined by three central conflicts: the Israeli-Arab conflict, Iraq, and Iran. The fusion of Iran’s nuclear program (and Iran’s hegemonic ambitions) with the situation in Iraq and with Hezbollah in Lebanon will lead to a “New Middle East” which, in all likelihood, will provoke a major confrontation.
当今，三场中心冲突缠绕着中东。它们是以色列和阿拉伯世界的冲突、伊拉克以及伊朗。伊朗核子计划及其霸权野心，连同伊拉克局势以及黎巴嫩的真主党将会导向“新的中东”局势。这一局势很有可能挑起大规模对抗。涉及范围远远超出该地区通常的势力和冲突。黎巴嫩战争让这一危险的进程的进展程度一目了然。