The Arab States: Looking back on the year 1999
Regional, Editorial, 1/14/2000

Looking back on the year 1999, we see the Arab states in great flux. There is much movement below the surface, and more that is visible that is setting the stage for great change in the Arab states.

One may be quick to see the tremendous amount of infighting. Egypt - Sudan -Libya - Tunisia- Morocco. Infighting between each of them. Egypt - Syria- Palestine - Iraq- Jordan. Infighting between each of them. Saudi Arabia- Iraq-Kuwait- Bahrain - Qatar- Yemen - United Arab Emirates - Oman. Infighting between each of them. Further, there is a crossfire between these blocs as well. It seems like a very distressing situation.

But we are very hopeful, because what we are seeing is simply the great shakeup before things start to settle down into a more normal course. Without elaborating too much, let us look at the social, economic, and internal and foreign policy levels.

Domestically, we start with what we consider a great revolution in Morocco, a quiet revolution in terms of advancement in politics, where an opposition party took power, where public policy is being put to scrutiny and where openness and transparency in the management of government, economic, and business, are laying the foundation for a very healthy country that is certain to make the maximum gain of its economic potential in the short and long term. This is under the leadership of the King, and the Prime Minister. The Moroccan leaders are very certain of their path and will protect their work against those who want it to fail, so Morocco is a shining star on the domestic scene.

On the economic front, Egypt is becoming an engine that few thought could succeed in the difficult environment it has been exposed to. Well-studied and continuous economic programs are being well-managed and implemented. Under less than ideal circumstance they have managed to perform well for the benefit of Egyptians. Egypt under the president's leadership has cleverly thought to expand its exports in every domain possible to force a competitive standard on domestic companies and to "learn and elevate their standards" by having to face international markets. This will in turn help protect these very same industrial producers, domestically, from international competition. Egypt is opening up more to social development and to science, the very foundation of any modern and sustained development. Egypt has managed its political assets wisely to protect its economy, which is the heart of its future strength. Egypt does not need much to reach a point where it can achieve very high sustained growth rates with appropriate investment and policies. Egypt is standing tall, and no greater effort should be spent than on guarding and growing its engine. Egypt is plunging headstrong into discussing and raising awareness of different social issues that have great bearing on its future development. Egypt is a shining star.

On the foreign policy scene, we see Syria, having been under the most difficult circumstances for many years (a state of war with Israel) finally succeeding in gaining international recognition of what it often called "legitimate rights of the Arabs in regaining their lands," compelling Israel to a path of peace and admitting the right of the Palestinians, Lebanese and Syrians to their forcibly occupied land. Israel admits that it does not belong on Lebanese, Palestinian or Syrian Golan territories. Having begun solving the problem with the Palestinians, Israel will now help bring peace to the region by making peace with Syria as the last war front in the region. Syria under the president's leadership, at the heaviest cost, has prevailed, and for this we recognize this achievement in bringing the light to a wrong that the world can no longer ignore, an injustice against Syrians uprooted from their villages, Palestinians stranded all over the world, and Lebanese that were savaged in every way. Even if peace does not prevail, though we most certainly hope it will, we recognize Syria for this achievement. Syria has stood alone in its foreign policy, many times, and we admire those who believe in themselves. It is worth noting that Syria, has begun an internal and quiet reform program to open its rigid structure at a pace that is not destabilizing economically or socially. Syria should be recognized for its release of political prisoners and its new path of reform, the result of which will become more apparent this year. Syria, with an enourmous talent, is a sleeping star ready to shine.

In Tunisia, The president released political prisoners and is opening up the country for greater political freedom. The president is actually implementing the promises he made during his election, a rare event in most countries. We recognize the genuine and positive efforts of Tunisia.

Algeria, mired in a civil war, last year decided to put an end to the war, and its president in a novel approach, sought reconciliation and forgiveness in a law that he did not impose, but requested that the parlaiment adopt, and the citizens ratify by a referendum, or else he would resign, in order that the Algerian people can put the past behind them. The task is difficult, and much progress was achieved as a result of his vision and courage. We are sure we are at the end of the tunnel with this problem. Furthermore, the president spoke publicly about the need for reform of the political system and made appointments as such. Algeria is a very rich country in natural resources, and it has great potential. We recognize the very positive developments in Algeria this past year.

Sudan, in the same vein as Algeria, has suffered. The president has promised openness and multiplicity and respect for all citizens and is permitting an open press. Sudan started pumping oil, and also has great natural resources. No country can succeed for long when any of its citizens is not treated properly or with equal rights. If the president succeeds in bringing all the Sudanese under one roof, he will have set Sudan's future on the right course.

Qatar, in a magnificent act, moved for the first time to create local elections, including women. The emir also provided for building a church, a small act, but very significant in its moral dimension.

In Bahrain, the emir started local elections again. He freed political prisoners and is embarking and economic and political reform.

In the Emirates, the president, had challenged the citizens to have a strong work ethic and be innovative and entrepreneurial and challenged the establishment to give land and promote businesses through loans. This president is not afraid to say the unconventional in a region where convention is the norm.

The Palestinians have the beginnings of a place they can call home, and to bring the others to.

Yemen, a very poor country, yet not poor enough to have genuine elections. Its attempts to deal with its difficult circumstances are recognized.

In Saudi Arabia, The crown Prince (acting on behalf of the king) has taken action to recognize the status of women. In this most traditional of countries, where the subject of freedom of women is taboo, the crown prince has given recognition to the rights and capabilities and contribution of women, and we take this as a prelude to concrete and visible action towards liberalization in this regard. We highly commend the crown prince for his vision and courage.

In Oman, rapid progress has been made in all areas. We recognize the Sultan for the quality of service he brought to the whole economy, for his farsighted vision in management, and for opening the door before women in political life. The Sultanate has come a long way under him.

Lebanon, domestic progress and stability is increasing, and so is infrastructure development. Lebanon continues to suffer Israeli occupation and brutality in the south. A new election system was adopted and is certain to provide a more representative democracy. Stability is increasing, but it is fragile. Lebanon, when it starts to practice and implement political freedom that it has "with responsibility" and respect for the law and dealing with each citizen, no matter their religion or ethnicity as equal in the government, before the law, and before each other, will shine again.

Jordan's King is a breath of fresh air. He pretends to be a taxi driver to check on the affairs of Jordanians, and other issues. He stopped all these "royal" cars from coming into the country without paying taxes. Great genuine and symbolic gestures. Jordan will do great under his leadership.

This is a quick overview of most of the Arab states' internal affairs.

As for intra- Arab affairs, the picture can be looked at as very dark. But as mentioned at the top, we think it is very bright, and here is why.

Egypt reconciled with Sudan after many years. Egypt and Sudan were one country once, and it is time they act this way. This is not an easy task, but if Sudan and Egypt reach out genuinely for each other, then between them they have the potential of some 130 million people, in the heart of the Arab states and in Africa. Sudan must seek Egypt, and Egypt must seek Sudan. Sudan should quit looking to the outside to solve its problems and look inside and with the help of its neighbors, most significantly its historic sister and brother, Egypt. A very positive event this past year.

Egypt and Libya reconciled. Angry at each other's policy and not giving support to each other's policy, they have drifted apart. But now again they have reconciled and are attempting to strengthen their ties and the neighborhood they live in.

Morocco and Algeria. are reconciling. Last year was the first real effort towards that end after many years, and they almost succeeded. Along with Tunisia and Mauritania and Libya, they Form the Maghreb grouping. This year, Algeria and Morocco are likely to finish the reconciliation process, paving the way for economic, social and political cooperation.

Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Border problems and disputes have afflicted them among other issues. But last year saw real progress on solving the border issue. Saudi Arabia said that it will finish this problem in very short order, and we trust the crown princes' word.

Saudi Arabia and Qatar solved their border problems and so did the Emirates and Oman.

Yemen and Eritrea solved their border problem peacefully last year.

Bahrain and Qatar, after many years of border disputes, opened the highest level talks and are moving swiftly with the border issue, whether jointly, or through the International Court of Justice which should issue its ruling in months? They have done the Gulf states proud in their attitude and resolve. We are looking forward to a speedy finalization of the integration of the Gulf states group (Gulf Cooperation Council Countries ). The will must be there to finish this project, as fast as possible, as there are certain to be stones thrown in the way.

Syria and Lebanon are strengthening their ties. It is unfortunate that the progress is being made under circumstances that some Lebanese resent, but that only shows how little appreciation those individuals have for the need to protect Lebanon and little appreciation for Syria's role and its intentions. As with Egypt and Sudan, Syria and Lebanon were once one. It is time they start appreciating and respecting and taking advantage of each others' resources, for both of their strength. Much progress was done to Lebanon's external and internal conditions due to Syria's help.

Jordan and Syria, in a historic move, reconciled after many years of political fighting. They are working together and under difficult circumstances. But they have progressed dramatically.

We are not being comprehensive, but what is remarkable about these events, is that they happened this year, and most happened in the last month of 1999.

We'll take this track record against all the many remaining problems and infighting where it seems that each Arab state's policy is to have bad relations with its immediate Arab neighbor and to be a friend to the farther Arab state. And as soon as two Arab states try to reconcile, another two Arab states plan on how to derail the reconciliation. So we will not count the problems, as you read about them daily.

Real progress is being achieved. But what is important to recognize is that there is lots of motion and commotion. This is because the Arab states are nearing a stage where they have no choice but to come together, in spite of their best efforts to the contrary, to do the right for themselves and for the Arab states in general. The year 2000, is going to be momentous as it begins laying the foundation for positive internal developments, and external coalescing of the Gulf States, Maghreb states, and Fertile Crescent, and between these regions themselves, thus starting the real foundation for a united Arab states economic block, and with all that entails.

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