By Mahmoud Al Abed
English News Editor
In the Arab tradition, the existence of three things has always been ruled impossible: the ghoul, the phoenix and a faithful friend.
In light of what we see in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the US, a fourth thing could become impossible: the existence of a unified and solid Arab stand in the face of challenges that are likely to sweep over the region soon.
We have heard Arab officials and heads of state talking here and there about the need for an accurate definition of terrorism, and demanding solid evidence linking the FBI’s suspects - all Arabs, by the way - to the horrific attacks.
Have the Arab leaders thought of holding a summit? There have been calls in some capitals for that, but what we see on the ground are instead sporadic efforts at “coordination.”
There has been panic. There has also been wisdom shown by some Arab leaders, typified by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak’s calls for the US not to overreact, but these exhortations are not enough to deter the US military response to “terrorism.”
The US has the right to respond, most of the Arabs believe. However, this should be done without causing any harm to Arabs themselves, or giving Israel a golden opportunity for its anticipated reoccupation of Palestinian land while the world is riveted by the spectacle of its master wiping out “terrorists.”
Solidarity on the Arab front is not a demand that our leaders should face alone. The people of the region now have the responsibility to join hands with their fellow citizens and leaders. Time to put aside all differences and be watchful of what lies ahead.
Our leaders are experienced enough to realize the seriousness of the developments and the danger their nations consequently face. We need them to unite and convey a loud and clear message to Washington that when the time for “enough is enough” comes, they’d better be listening. At the same time, they need us to be up to the challenge, and to fortify our own house against the approaching hurricane.
We should work hard to make sure that the three impossible things remain three.
