He says Iran is a threat not only to Israel but to "so-called moderate Sunni and pro-Western regimes".

Finally, consider the moderate Sunnis, who have joined the Allawi government and risked the fury of the Sunni insurgents.

Ms. Rice told Shiite government leaders that failure to draw moderate Sunnis into the political process could compromise American hopes of overcoming the mostly Sunni insurgency.

In addition, whatever fraternal and nationalist bonds remain among moderate Sunni and Shiite Arabs would probably disappear in a Shiite-versus-Shiite bloodbath.

Association of Muslim Clerics speaks for moderate Sunnis article at International Relations and Security Network (Switzerland)

The Americans succeeded in drawing moderate Sunnis into the political process, and later into a subordinate role in the national government.

Ms. Rice has instead advocated propping up moderate Sunnis and encouraging them to support Mr. Maliki.

Leaked US cables describes Salam as a "respected Sunni moderate".

We did not bring the moderate Sunnis off the fence, as we had hoped.

Even moderate Sunnis note that the Shiite opposition is fighting for control more than reform.