On 11 September 2012, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris hosted Tzipi Livni, former Foreign Minister of Israel, for a day of discussions on the Middle East. The event opened with a breakfast session for journalists, moderated by Georges Malbrunot, where the initial exchanges focused on Israel’s perspective on regional security, the shifting dynamics of the Arab Spring, and the challenges posed by the ongoing Syrian conflict.

A formal lunch followed, also moderated by Georges Malbrunot, and reserved for diplomats and policymakers. Livni elaborated on Israel’s assessment of the strategic balance in the region, including the implications of instability in Syria and its potential impact on neighbouring states. The setting allowed for a candid discussion of sensitive political issues, bringing together diverse perspectives on the evolving Middle Eastern landscape.

During the exchanges, Randa Kassis emphasised that Syria’s opposition was not limited to Islamist groups and insisted on the existence of a secular opposition as a credible alternative. She underscored the importance of recognising a “third way” between Assad’s regime and extremist movements, framing it as the only viable foundation for a democratic and inclusive political future in Syria.