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There is a conflict in the Middle East between two entities, and they're both right, each in their own way.

The increasing mistrust between the Arab-Muslim peoples and the western world is rooted in the conflict in Palestine.

Peace in the Middle East isn't going to be created by another war or violent act on the other side.

Conflicts are never caused in any simple way by identity, culture or economics. Where resources are scarce, or there are strong historical memories of conflict, small events are more likely to inflame passions.

The Middle East is obviously an issue that has plagued the region for centuries.

The Arab-Israeli conflict is also in many ways a conflict about status: it's a war between two peoples who feel deeply humiliated by the other, who want the other to respect them. Battles over status can be even more intractable than those over land or water or oil.

Don't forget we are in a state of war and no peace. But it's very dynamic and challenging compared to the rest of the Arab world.

You have to look at the history of the Middle East in particular. It has been one of failure and frustration, of feudalism and tribalism.

We in the Middle East like to talk politics, we like to argue. Just look at the three prophets - Moses, Jesus and Mohammad. They are all from this small region which creates problems all the time.

Is there going to be a peace in the Middle East? Not in my lifetime.