When choosing the topic for this article, I hesitated between commenting on the results of the U.S. elections or writing about the spread of conflicts and inhumane practices in the Middle East. Particularly, much could already be said about the U.S. elections even before the results were announced. However, after previously addressing the state of international chaos; and given the tragic losses we are witnessing across the Middle East, I chose to focus on our region and what is specifically required from Arab states to address such ongoing issues and losses.
Currently, the Middle East is being reshaped geographically, politically, economically, and socially, as well as regarding national security. These far-reaching strategic changes should prompt Arab countries to engage together and cooperate effectively, both individually and regionally, while standing united as an Arab bloc. Political indifference at this moment is geopolitically akin to allowing cancer to grow unchecked, infiltrating the Arab body without treatment.
On a positive note, it is important to observe that the demographic composition of the Arab world, which consists of a high percentage of youth, generates increasing hope when we consider the future. Younger populations provide the opportunity to establish a national ownership – characterized by high levels of accountability and transparency – with a forward-looking vision, which is a necessary condition for effective governance.
However, at the same time, there are numerous reasons for concern. Regional conflicts are widespread across the area, particularly – though not exclusively – between Arab and non-Arab countries, which claim sovereignty or impose their jurisdiction de facto. Political conflicts are also growing within and across sovereign borders. Economic challenges and those concerning resources are on the rise; attracting various parties from inside and outside the region to engage in them. Additionally, there are many challenges related to energy, maritime access, and security. Numerous governmental and non-governmental entities have tried to export their ideologies forcefully to others, before reassessing policies and practices to achieve regional geopolitical goals through national security tools. Perhaps the most alarming aspect of all this is the increasing and repeated use of force to resolve conflicts. This trend has been met with lukewarm regional and international responses, which can be interpreted as an acceptance of such practices as long as they are confined to the region.
It Is Time for Action:
Despite severe global polarization, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres held a “Summit of the Future” this fall in New York; with a specific aim of activating multilateralism and collective responsibility in the 21st century. In this context, it is time for Arab countries to take tangible steps and implement deterrent political decisions against transgressing neighbors, and they must have a proactive vision regarding the future geopolitical landscape of the Middle East that ensures the necessary conditions for developing constructive and beneficial relationships between Arabs and non-Arabs.
Some may argue that the region and its countries cannot afford any additional military conflicts. Whether this is true or not; it is a contentious point that does not constitute the basis for dialogue. This is not a call for war; rather, it is a call for strong political action with real consequences, because failure to take such steps amidst the spread of injustice and the expansion of power and violence will inevitably bring wars and conflicts to all our doors.
Others might also say that the Arab world is not in a position to destabilize itself and engage in reshaping the region, relying on the adage that “what you know is better than what you don’t know.” Yet, such a perspective ignores their regional reality, which clearly shows that change has already begun, often at their expense. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has declared that Israel “is changing the Middle East,” followed immediately by Israeli transgressions across the Levant, in Lebanon and Syria, extending to Yemen.
Frankly, I feel deep concern regarding these transgressions and developments, which are redefining and reshaping the Middle East, mostly at the expense of Arab national interests. Moreover, I do not see any immediate solution to the ongoing escalation and absence of humanity. We stand at a crossroads; the near future will likely be worse. This is certainly not a time for complacency or indifference.
Given that current actions and events constitute a blatant violation of international law; Arab member states of the United Nations, along with former Non-Aligned Movement member states and a similar number of Security Council members, must promptly submit a draft resolution to the Council demanding that Israel cease all its cross-border operations and impose a ceasefire, regardless of the stance of any permanent member or more within the body.
The recommended actions can be summed up in the following steps:
- Arab countries should adopt a gradual change approach to achieve the aspirations of the youth. Building strong foundations and national security capabilities will protect these countries and their youth from ongoing shocks and frustrations, which are increasing due to the growing circle of injustice and inequality.
- Arab states must recalibrate and diversify their regional and international relations to establish a balance that reduces reliance on any single power; they should then enhance their political and security capabilities to build more balanced and stable regional relationships with their neighbors, where mutual benefit is provided for both parties. This should serve as the starting point for enhancing the credibility and political influence of Arab nations; otherwise, their regional proposals will be ignored by adversaries and met with deaf ears in their local circles.
- Arab states should proactively form future visions for a more just and beneficial security architecture for Arabs, to prevent others from attempting to reshape the region and divide it into alliances that serve only their own interests. The best method to achieve this goal is through launching a regional framework document with two tracks, initially proposed by Arab states and discussed internally, before being presented to non-Arab parties in the region.
The events we are currently witnessing in the Middle East and beyond are distressing. Many will ask, “Is this the right time to make forward-looking regional efforts?” Personally, I ponder this often. Each time, I conclude that the inevitable cost of inaction is enormous, especially for the vulnerable or the inactive, and this serves as a stark call to action and to take positive steps before it’s too late.
