A Latin primer

By Ammar Ali Hassan

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When Latin American leaders called on their Arab counterparts to attend a joint summit the message could not have been clearer. There are some who want to see us acting as a collective force and others who want us divided, perhaps to integrate us into a greater Middle East. We have to choose.

The summit offered the possibility of support for the Arabs in their struggle against Israeli and US occupation, as well as the possibility of improved economic relations with Latin America. It held out an opportunity to examine a vision of the world far different to that on offer in Washington. Brazil, the host country, refused to allow the US to attend the summit, even as an observer, and ignored Israeli complaints that the summit could harm its interests.

Latin American leaders came under US pressure to stay away from the summit and refused to bow. Some Latin American leaders showed up, as did a few Arab presidents. Latin American leaders, all democratically elected, had the courage to challenge US pressures. Ours could not.

One can quibble over the economic advantages of such an event. Its symbolism, though, is less easy to ignore. For a region struggling against occupation and foreign threats the value of solidarity with Latin America should not be underestimated. We need an international network of interests transcending the arrogance that is Washington's common currency, and the Euro-centrism to our north. The Latin Americans need the same. Latin America made the first move and we dragged our feet.

This week's soapbox speaker is an Egyptian political analyst.