Pursuits
Shimon Peres on the New Middle East
The former prime minister and current president of Israel on improving ties with neighbors, the Arab Spring, and his seven decades in politics
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Many people say I was wrong when I talked about the new Middle East and the need for more ties with our Arab neighbors. I’m not wrong. It’s just taking more time than I thought. I wish we could shorten the time in moving from one world to another.
The present Arab uprising didn’t stem from Israel. The old guard is trying to keep down the young chickens. The old guard is better organized. They may win elections, but unless they have a solution to poverty, to corruption, to oppression, they will not last. I am with the young people.