The Arab region is passing through a difficult and dangerous historical phase given what is happening in Iraq and the attempt to resume efforts for a peaceful resolution in Palestine. Naturally enough Egypt has an essential role to play in all this. I do not mean an Egyptian opinion or stance has to be imposed on other parties. Rather, considering its leading position, it is Egypt that must take on board the opinions of the various parties involved in the process. With regard to the Palestinian question, for example, Egypt should accept only what the Palestinians agree on. As for Iraq, Egypt must recognise no government apart from one endorsed by the Iraqi people.
What is happening in Iraq and Palestine is a regional issue, and since Egypt is the greatest regional power it is necessary for it to undertake an active role in these and other dilemmas.
Israel once tried to negotiate on the Lebanese track independently, a strategy that collapsed within days because it ignored the regional dimensions of the conflict. If the roadmap is to achieve the hoped for resolution the regional dimension must be taken into account.
The Arab region is passing through a difficult and dangerous historical phase given what is happening in Iraq and the attempt to resume efforts for a peaceful resolution in Palestine. Naturally enough Egypt has an essential role to play in all this. I do not mean an Egyptian opinion or stance has to be imposed on other parties. Rather, considering its leading position, it is Egypt that must take on board the opinions of the various parties involved in the process. With regard to the Palestinian question, for example, Egypt should accept only what the Palestinians agree on. As for Iraq, Egypt must recognise no government apart from one endorsed by the Iraqi people.
