If this were to happen the region would find itself on the threshold of a new epoch, an new era characterised by mutually beneficial cooperation across numerous fields, that cooperation being based on principles of equality and fair play. Such cooperation, moreover, would preclude any single party assuming the upper hand and pretending to play the role of munificent patron distributing largesse. Peres is suffering from quite a remarkable level of delusion if he feels he can shape the future of the Middle East. For once peace and stability are established, it will be up to all the countries of the region to determine their communal future, in accordance with their specific circumstances, resources and culture. Economic cooperation, though, is one thing, education another.
Education is the foundation on which national cultures rest.
He would do better to concentrate on how Israel might capitalise on the opportunity to add a new chapter to our history books by fully withdrawing from all occupied territory, on demonstrating in the future that Israel is capable of impacting positively on the region rather than squandering its energies in a destructive arms race. Nor is the international community going to be convinced that it should fund attempts to realise his impossible dreams.