The Upcoming Arab Summit
Maher OthmanNo Arab summit was ever held without facing tough issues related to the Arab national security. No Arab summit was ever free from the repercussions of sensitivities and tensions that mar inter-Arab relations. So what issues will the Arab leaders have on the table in their upcoming summit in Riyadh on March 28, and have paved the way for the summit and put draft solutions for the pressing national and regional issues?
The Palestinian Cause has always been on the agenda of any Arab summit. Fifty-nine years after the ‘Nakba’ (setback), the Palestinian issue remains unresolved, turning into a chronic international crisis fueled year after year, and month after month, by Israel and its ally, the US, especially since the Six Day War in 1967….
Writing at Dar Al-Hayat from Lebanon, Maher Othman notes that Arab Summits have a long history of dissolving into rancor and discord as various nations stake out positions on one issue and poison the rest of the summit if they don’t get their way. He notes that common interests—like the Palestinian issue—affect all Arab states and need to be addressed with clear heads by all members. Interesting reading.
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14:18,
This particular arab summit is coming at a time when Saudi Arabia has been its most proactive as a country in taking initiatives on tough issues such as Iraq, Palestine and being proactive against terrorism. Can this be the start of a new era with Saudi Arabia becoming the world’s intermediator? And it is worth noting that this arab summit is the largest one yet with not only the leaders of the arab league in attendance but many interested observers present who have not all necessarily attended summits in the past. This is a summit to be watched closely and will be talked about for some time after.
11:40,
Between the summit and what’s being billed as a major cabinet reshuffle upcoming, it’s an interesting time to be in the KSA.
08:38,
Absolutely….perhaps rather than now being the silent partner from the sidelines, Saudi Arabia is now fully emerging as a world player to be reckoned with.
02:41,
[...] Overall, the Arab Summit in Riyadh became a happy event for government employees, students, and even for us (privet sector employees). They got to travel and enjoy few days away and we got to reach the office quickly and with no traffic hassles. [...]