17 - 23 January 2002
Issue No.569
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Al-Ahram Weekly Online 17 - 23 January 2002 Issue No.569 |
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Content matters
Heated debates over the venue of the upcoming Arab summit surprised me, for in the current circumstances one would imagine that the Arab leaders might direct their attention away from such petty questions and toward the suffering of the Palestinian people, the failure of the peace process in the region, the economic troubles under which all Arab societies are suffering (and to which cooperation and integration would be a partial answer), or the task of devising an integrated strategy with which to confront the international crisis that surrounds us. Preparing for implementation of the GATT and responding to the repercussions of America's war on terrorism, to mention but two examples, seem to be more pressing issues than whether or not Beirut is the best place to meet, after all.
Discussions of these crucial issues, however heated, are justified and understandable; but discussions of a question that strikes me as purely superficial, especially given the current situation, can only be described as saddening. The agreement to hold a regular summit, reached last year, was, to me, an historic occasion, since it implied that Arab leaders were capable of agreeing on something after all. Now here they are again, falling into the pit of petty squabbles, as if they were eager to invent an excuse to disagree. In any case, whatever the obstacles, I believe that holding this summit is of paramount importance. I would not let anything prevent it from happening.
Based on an interview by Mohamed Salmawy.
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