Damascus tryst

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The Arab world is in turmoil. The situation in Iraq and Palestine, labouring under the unbearable agony of occupation, has become untenable. The Lebanese political impasse is poisoning relations not just within the factions within the Lebanese political establishment, but also between Arab countries. Indeed, the entire Lebanese political scene has become an arena in which rival Arab powers are flexing their muscles. Israel, in the meantime, is the main beneficiary of this slinging-match among Arab brethren.

The West, meanwhile, is either unwilling or unable to get entangled in this morass. And, for good reason, too. The United States is the unabashed defender of Israel. The recent visit of presidential contender John McCain to Israel where his hawkish posturing was welcomed with open arms, confirms the importance US leaders attach to Israel. The Europeans, too, are very concerned about cementing ties with Israel, as shown by Israeli President Shimon Peres's recent state visit to France, where he was feted in spite of the ongoing unspeakable suffering of the Palestinian people.

And, unquestioning support for Israel was made very clear, once again, when German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited Israel last week, where she stressed Germany's eternal guilt for the Holocaust and support for the state of Israel.

So how are the Arabs to think and what are they to do? Arab public opinion has become extremely hostile to Western powers for their flagrant bias in favour of Israel. The Arabs see themselves as victims of an international conspiracy. They are hoping that their leaders will stand together for once, even though the signs point to a tragic lack of unity. Even if some Arab countries have grave reservations about Damascus as the venue and do not see eye to eye with Syria, still, Arabs must present a united front.

And, what is most frustrating, to say the least, is that Lebanon -- rather than Palestine -- is the unwitting catalyst at this troubled meeting. Lebanon will dominate discussions at the Arab summit in Damascus. Even if not all the Arab leaders attend the Damascus summit, Arab countries must display a strong show of solidarity. Arab unity is of paramount importance at the moment. It is the most vital contemporary issue. Without Arab unity, Arab problems will not be resolved.

The Palestinian crisis, too, remains at the centre of Arab politics. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The rift between Hamas and Fatah must be resolved. The Palestinians must not allow themselves to be pawns in the hands of powerful international players. Compromise and political acumen are sorely needed now. Palestinians have borne the brunt of the conflict with Israel, and have displayed great courage and tenacity. But, Palestinians, like the wider Arab world, need to unite in order to advance their national interests and realise their dream of an independent and sovereign state.

In Iraq, too, political rivalries and factional divisions have wreaked havoc. The US-led occupation has not helped Iraq's quest for democracy. On the contrary, the occupation of Iraq has claimed the lives of 4,000 American lives and countless more Iraqis. It is the scene of uncountable war crimes that will blacken America's reputation for generations to come. Iraq is in a political quagmire of gigantic proportions. Sunni and Shia Muslims must unite. Arabs and Kurds, too, must stand in solidarity for a prosperous and peaceful Iraq.

Much hope is pinned on the Damascus summit. It must not be permitted to be a mere talking shop. It must be a resounding success. This is a difficult feat to achieve under the current circumstances.