Damage control

Sometimes a little less caution is in order, writes Ibrahim Nafie

---

As the 17th Arab Summit got under way in Algeria on Tuesday it appeared that participants' minds were almost exclusively set on damage control. There are times when a regional order is so beleaguered by challenges, so beset by controversy, that it seems too risky to move forward on pressing issues, each one of which seems too potentially explosive to broach. It is crucial at such times of crisis to take the steps necessary to mend fences, solidify ranks and do whatever else is needed to tighten up the ship against the current storm. However, as we do so we must still keep our eyes on the horizon and work to bring that horizon nearer.

This is not to deny a considerable area of convergence over a number of crucial issues, nor to belittle the formidable efforts made by Arab foreign ministers in advance of the summit to clarify areas of consensus. This applies in particular to Palestine, Iraq and the Syrian-Lebanese relationship.

In general, Arab leaders went to Algeria firm in their belief that we must continue efforts to secure a UN Security Council or General Assembly resolution affirming the Arab peace initiative adopted in Beirut in 2002 and establishing the Sharm El Sheikh understandings as an integral part of the roadmap. There is also a determination to explicitly laud the spirit of responsibility that characterised the Palestinian national dialogue that took place in Cairo last week with the aim of devising a united action plan towards the realisation of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state. The dialogue was successful in producing understandings that will work to safeguard Palestinian unity and generate a climate conducive to the resumption of negotiations. It is further believed that Egypt and the PA merit recognition for their efforts in helping to produce this valuable breakthrough which, if successful, will usher in a new phase of the Palestinian liberation struggle in which, for the first time, resistance factions from across the ideological spectrum will be working together.

As for the situation on the ground in Palestine, Arab leaders feel it important to register a number of specific demands. One is that the PA must be given full authority over the territories vacated by Israeli forces under the roadmap in accordance with a well thought out timeframe. For my part I would like to stress that Israel must avoid any last minute ploy of diminishing the powers it hands over to the PA with the express purpose of embarrassing the PA and weakening its credibility with the factions. Simultaneously, I urge the international community to refrain from recognising any pledges intended to sanctify transformations on the ground that compromise Palestinians' legitimate rights. This applies in particular to the separating wall and the measures Israel has undertaken to annex and alter the demographic character of Jerusalem.

On Iraq, the Arabs are unanimous on the need to safeguard its territorial integrity and to participate in international efforts aimed at promoting the success of political processes that will lead to the withdrawal of the occupation forces and the restoration of full sovereignty to the Iraqi people. They also agree on the importance of preserving Iraq's natural links with its Arab environment.

In a similar spirit, the Arabs are keen to demonstrate their support for Lebanon within the framework of historical principles that have governed its relationship with Syria. Given the crucial importance of this issue it is most unfortunate that Lebanese President Emil Lahoud was unable to attend the summit. It was commonly felt that both the Syrian and Lebanese leaders should have been present in order to better enable summit members to arrive at an effective formula for demonstrating their solidarity with both countries.

The foregoing stances can be subsumed under the heading of consolidating positions. But as necessary as this is to the process of damage control I do not believe this obviates addressing other issues, even sensitive ones. The Arabs are of one mind over the need to reform the Arab League and to promote mechanisms for inter-Arab cooperation, yet when it comes to actually dealing with the subject they act as though it were akin to walking on eggs. So intent are they upon handling each attendant issue with the utmost delicacy that they risk losing sight of the greater picture. This tendency, too, I would place under the heading of damage control which, in this case, is far from the most appropriate approach. At best it will lead to piecemeal, sticking plaster measures that will barely work to keep the gears rolling. At worst excessive caution will forfeit a historic opportunity to conclude agreements with international powers sympathetic to Arab concerns. I refer here, specifically, to the current race among the countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America to secure seats on the proposed expanded Security Council. The Arab initiative on Monday to support the Egyptian bid for a permanent seat on that body was a positive step in this direction; however, it needs to be followed through with a collective drive to reach specific agreements with other regional blocs and the impetus for this can only come from the Arab summit and the steps it initiates for reform.

On this question, at least, the Arabs must make the transition -- and soon -- to a proactive footing. The task of the Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa will be to create those committees for drafting the bills for the establishment of an Arab court of justice and an Arab security council so that these can be put before next year's summit. Once this process is in motion, I believe Arab leaders will perceive the need to summon greater resolve and courage in dealing with political, economic and social reform, all of which should be high on the agenda of Arab summits. Moussa was correct to sound the alarm, which I hope has alerted Arab League members to the reality that the "Arab House" is what they collectively make of it, or break.