Talking to Terrorists

This week we're starting a new two-part series of the Sunday Supplement called "Talking to Terrorists."

In Part One Alistair Crooke, a veteran of secret negotiations in many parts of the world, sets out his personal view that the policy of dialogue with armed groups, that proved successful in the Northern Ireland peace process, should now be used to help resolve conflict in the Middle East.

In particular, he says, the West should now sit down with Hamas and Hezbollah.

In part two, the BBC's Diplomatic Editor, Brian Hanrahan, explores the debate over Alastair Crooke's thesis with experts on political islam and those who believe there should be no talking to groups they see as advocating terror.