Tzipi Livni could be Israel's Prime Minister

Tzipi Livni has won the Kadima leadership contest in Israel, which I think could have the potential to revitalize discussions with the Palestinians if she also manages to form a government and become Prime Minister.

I've been following events in the Middle East for a while now, mostly because I'm so worried about the prospect of even more war, and it would be great to Tzipi Livni pursue peace like she's done in the past; she was one of the most enthusiastic backers of the Gaza disengagement.

If Israel under Tzipi Livni can restart the failed negotiations with the Palestinians, perhaps even the Syrians, wouldn't this be a great end to 2008. Livni still has to bring a bunch of parties together to create a new coalition, otherwise she'll have to fight a general election.

Tzipi Livni has been described as a very tough woman, and is currently Foreign Minister and deputy Prime Minister of Israel, and if she manages to put together a coalition she'll be Israel's second female Prime Minister.

It'll be interesting to watch Israeli politics over the next couple of months to see if Tzipi Livni actually can improve the situation on the ground. Even if all she does is agree to a peace deal with the PLO it would still be a major step forward and could encourage other parts of the Middle East to embrace negotiations. I wish Tzipi Livni all the best of luck.