How Iran's Election – And Three Others – Have Reshaped Mideast

From The Christian Science Monitor:

Briefing: With newly installed or reinstalled leaders in Iran, Lebanon,Israel, and the US, the balance of power has shifted between a US-alliedbloc and the 'axis of resistance.'

Why are these elections important?

Iran: On June 12, incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad defeated his main challenger, Mir Hossein Mousavi, by an official margin of 2 to 1 – a vote that has been bitterly, and sometimes violently, contested on Iran's streets. The turmoil has underscored deep rifts in Iranian society, raising questions about the Islamic republic's long-term viability.

Israel: In January elections, Ben­ja­min Netanyahu came to power as prime minister of a center-right coalition government. Arabs were less than pleased, believing Mr. Netanyahu's hard-line approach would slow progress toward peace with the Palestinians and Syria.

Lebanon: On June 7, the US-backed March 14 coalition narrowly beat the opposition, which is led by the militant group Hezbollah. That means March 14 will retain the upper hand in parliament – essentially preserving the status quo.

US: The 2008 election was widely anticipated in the Middle East, with many hoping for a new US approach that would restart the Arab-Israeli peace process, stabilize Iraq, and explore engagement with Iran.

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My Comment: I do not see the realignment that the Christian Science Monitor is talking about. Iranian leaders and their opponents share the same views and opinions concerning their nuclear program, Israel, and their relations with the West. Lebanese politics is still deeply divided and bitter. Both sides are armed to the teeth, and it would only take a small infraction to start another low level civil war.

Israel's party change from one conservative party (Ariel Sharon's Party) to another. Their foreign policy is not going to change.

The US election .... same as always. President Obama may be more eager to look for common ground with Muslims .... but the issue is not him, it is Israel and the Sunni-Shiite conflict which has a habit of heating up once in a while, and all of it being done independent from U.S. action.