Bridges of Peace
Al-Ahram, Egypt, February 6
The peace currently observed in Europe and Southeast Asia has been achieved not only through regional cooperation initiatives but also by reconciling with a past marked by prolonged and bloody conflicts.
In considering this, the Arab world must reflect on the eight-year war between Iraq and Iran, the immense costs incurred during the Gulf conflicts, including the liberation of Kuwait and the American invasion of Iraq, and the civil wars that erupted post-independence and after the so-called Arab Spring in nations like Sudan, Yemen, Libya, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq.
Additionally, the protracted conflict with Israel, which neither ended the existence of Israel nor brought about self-determination for the Palestinian people, serves as a reminder. These past wars have resulted in the division of territories like Sudan and Palestine, while continuously testing the unity of other nations.
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So far, only a fraction of Arab countries have settled into stable nation-states, such as the six Gulf states, and Egypt, Jordan, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia.
Meanwhile, we must look toward the future. Despite decades since gaining independence, there is no Arab country akin to South Korea in development; Saudi Arabia stands alone with a GDP surpassing $1 trillion, while the collective GDP of all Arab countries remains less than that of Germany.
Nevertheless, the present era is witnessing a wave of reform across numerous Arab nations. We must connect our past to the future, incorporating not just Israel but also Iran and Turkey, neighboring countries critical for the stability and security of Arab states and their peoples, extending to the Palestinians, Iraqis, the Gulf States, and the Horn of Africa.
We must build bridges that link the people from these regions, all sharing a historical heritage with the Arab world, where civilizations, races, and ethnicities have intertwined to create unique yet harmonious collaborations.
Emphasizing Israel’s role is crucial due to its geographical position, which was historically intended to divide the Arab world but in a climate of peace could become a bridge between East and West.
Abdel Moneim Saeed (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)
