1.   But Wahid, a moderate Muslim cleric, has a longstanding interest in the Middle East and has called for normalizing relations with Israel.

2.   He found hope in another trouble spot, Iran, in its election of a moderate cleric.

3.   In orthodox Iran, a relatively moderate cleric who preaches tolerance and studies Kant and de Tocqueville has been elected President.

4.   Khatami, a moderate cleric who won a landslide victory in May, said his government will focus on reducing inflation and spurring economic growth.

5.   Khatami, a moderate cleric, was elected president two years ago.

6.   Khatami, a relatively moderate cleric, was elected president in May, in a rebuff to the more conservative clerics who hold supreme power in Iran.

7.   She said that people in Arab and Muslim countries should hear that moderate Muslim clerics oppose the deadly attacks carried out in the name of their religion.

8.   The fatwa was quickly endorsed by the grand mufti of Egypt, Naser Farid Wasel, who is considered a leader of politically moderate Islamic clerics in the region.

9.   The speaker, Mehdi Karoubi, is a moderate mid-ranking cleric who had previously avoided confrontation with hard-liners and favored negotiations behind closed doors.

10.   President Mohammad Khatami, a moderate cleric, came bearing a message of detente and dialogue that was warmly received.