20 - 26 September 2001
Issue No.552
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Al-Ahram Weekly Online 20 - 26 September 2001 Issue No.552 |
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Bleak prospects
While the world awaits the outbreak of "America's new war" -- President Bush's answer to the international terrorist groups' brutal attacks on Washington and New York -- the picture grows bleaker by the hour. Many countries, including some of America's most sympathetic friends, have noted that the humiliation suffered by the US worldwide could lead to an unpredictable and irrational reaction, which will probably involve killing innocents just like those buried in the rubble of the World Trade Center. Such a reaction will also ignite political wild-fires and, far from ending terrorism, will sow violence across the globe.
What worries everyone, especially Arab governments and peoples, is that this time -- as is evident in the statements of President Bush and his secretary of state -- America's revenge will hurt not only the alleged head of terrorist operations in Afghanistan but all those countries considered to be sponsors of terrorism: Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Lebanon... It will use not only missiles but infantry, naval forces and commandos. It will not think twice about detaining and assassinating the leaders of various organisations and bringing down regimes that supposedly condone or support terrorism. Washington has announced that it is working to create an international alliance against terrorism, bringing together the West and the Arab world, and tolerated by Russia and China.
The diplomatic work required will no doubt tax America's patience, however; as in the Gulf War, it will not bother to incorporate this coalition into the framework of the UN Security Council or allow it to hamper US military operations aiming to confront and liquidate terrorist networks. The Americans will hardly solicit the approval, or respect the sovereignty, of any party. As soon as the victims of the attack are buried, the US military machine will plunge into motion regardless of the consequences for other countries. Bush has already called on the American people to prepare for making the sacrifices necessary for this battle.
Deputy Secretary of State William Burns's message to Arab ambassadors in Washington reflects America's current rage. The Arab countries were asked to determine their position immediately; they are either with America or against it. In this new war, no neutrality is allowed. Arab countries have no right to discuss, let alone object to, American policies. They will comply with them whether they like it or not, even though most of America's targets are located in the Arab and Muslim world.
Military analysts are already debating whether the operations should be conducted from US military bases in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean, NATO bases or Pakistan. America will not necessarily fight this battle alone, for although some European countries like France may refuse to contribute their forces, other parties will not think twice about cooperating with American operations. Israel, for one, is already implementing its own plans, bombing Palestinian institutions on the pretext that they are centres of terrorism.
Arabs should not be deceived by the ceasefire that was announced only hours ago, with Israel declaring its intention to withdraw from Palestinian lands. That would be at best a temporary procedure related to the current phase; and it takes place only under a great deal of pressure from the United States, which is eager to incorporate Arab parties into its coalition against terrorism. As soon as the American administration manages to strike Bin Laden, the situation in Palestine will likely return to its original state.
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