The most recent crisis between Syria and Turkey was not the first; nor will it be the last. Other relatively recent crises in the region have involved Iran and Eritrea. In other words, relations between the Arabs and their neighbours are not what they should be. Minor incidents can explode in a moment into acute crises; ultimatums are followed by the mobilisation of troops.
Naturally, it is very easy to attribute all this to a big international conspiracy in which the United States and Israel use neighbouring states to threaten the Arabs. This line of thinking, however, assumes that our neighbours are not bright enough to realise where their true interests lie -- with us. It also assumes that the Arabs are completely ineffective, having failed to stand up to the US-Israeli alliance. If anything, conspiracy theories make crises worse.
The way we have behaved in the past has only led to losses on all sides. Strategically, the Arabs have lost valuable allies in Ethiopia and Eritrea. Although Iran and Turkey are partners in the Organisation of the Islamic Conference one of them at least has entered into military cooperation with Israel.
It is possible to manage conflicts peacefully. We must refrain from frothing at the mouth every time we disagree. But this requires patience and understanding.
*This week's Soapbox speaker is the director of Al-Ahram Centre for Political and Strategic Studies.
The most recent crisis between Syria and Turkey was not the first; nor will it be the last. Other relatively recent crises in the region have involved Iran and Eritrea. In other words, relations between the Arabs and their neighbours are not what they should be. Minor incidents can explode in a moment into acute crises; ultimatums are followed by the mobilisation of troops.