Eliminating pretexts

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The past few days have brought even more political turbulence to the region as the US ratcheted up its threats against both Iran and Syria and other major powers hinted to possible military intervention in Darfur. Military intervention, and the wave of terror it unleashes, is the last thing the region needs.

Reckless behaviour by Arab countries is just as perilous. Arab governments need to finesse their card playing if they are to defuse a potentially explosive situation. They must exercise diplomacy and self-restraint. Syria is not going to find a way out of its current dilemma by forming an axis with Iran. Tehran's dealings with the US have so far been governed by little beyond pragmatism.

Syria, which maintains an extensive military and intelligence presence throughout Lebanon, should accept at least part of the blame for the assassination of former prime minister Rafiq Al-Hariri. The argument Damascus offers for its presence in Lebanon is that it is mandated by the Arab League and provides Lebanon with security and stability. Both Syria and the Arab League have an obligation to investigate the crime and bring the perpetrators to justice. If need be, a team of international investigators should help with the process. The presence of international investigators would mollify international unease and help Syria emerge from its current crisis. It would also deprive the US and Israel of an opportunity to worsen the regional climate.

The same applies to Sudan. The Sudanese government must seek African help in resolving the crisis in Darfur. It should do everything within its power to further Africa's role in the strife-torn region. Should it fail to do so the US and its allies may succeed in internationalising the crisis through sanctions and the deployment of multinational troops. And the deployment of multinational troops, under the guise of peace keeping, is a first step towards the partition of Sudan.

Iran also needs to exercise the utmost self-restraint. The Gulf must not be allowed to slip into sectarian strife involving Shias and Sunnis. The US is intent on playing the gung-ho role of universal policeman, threatening pre- emptive intervention and regime change across the world. Arab countries must act sensibly to deprive Washington of any pretexts for intervention.