RogerRabbit
Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined: 05 Sep 2004
Posts: 748
Location: Oregon
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 Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 3:51 pm Post subject: What Should Be the Focus of Talks Between Bush, Abdullah |
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http://www.arabnews.com/?page=7§ion=0&article=62675&d=24&m=4&y=2005
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What Should Be the Focus of Talks Between Bush, Abdullah
Hassan Yassin, Arab News
President George W. Bush and Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia have a lot in common. They both come from places where family and traditional values are of great importance. They both govern following in the footsteps of their fathers and their brothers hold prominent governing roles. But most importantly they are both known to speak their minds and to believe strongly in what they say.
Crown Prince Abdullah is reported to have been very frank in his discussions with President Bashar Assad of Syria in Riyadh about the recent developments in Lebanon. President Bush’s frankness of course needs no further illustration.
The outspokenness and straightforwardness of both leaders could be an immense asset when President Bush and Crown Prince Abdullah meet next week at Bush’s ranch in Crawford, Texas. Another outspoken visitor, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, recently held talks there with President Bush. The outcome, it is said, was not entirely satisfactory.
President Bush and Crown Prince Abdullah meet at a critical juncture, with the opportunity of bridging the issues which most undermine the present and future stability of the Middle East, and hence also world stability. The issues at hand are the viability of a Palestinian state, the viability of future energy supplies and the viability of Arab democratization and of course the fight against international terrorism. On the latter, the United States and Saudi Arabia have been cooperating closely and effectively, already with a fair degree of success.
The issue of a viable Palestinian state follows directly from Prime Minister Sharon’s visit. For years the position taken by Israeli officials on settlement construction and expansion has been untenable. Today continued settlement activity threatens not only the creation of the viable Palestinian state all leaders are calling for, but also overall Arab-Israeli relations and the future stability of the Middle East.
While it surely does not excuse individual Palestinian terrorist acts, Israeli policy has constantly undermined the viability of a Palestinian state. Until now Israeli officials got away with saying one thing and doing another, as American politicians looked the other way. Today the consequences of these actions have become all too clear to all parties involved.
Reaching an Israeli-Palestinian settlement will require direct and robust American pressure and engagement, toward Israelis and Palestinians. President Bush knows what needs to be done; now he must do it. Israel must be taken to account for policies that undermine the “road map” and any future peace. Equal pressure is due on Palestinian armed movements.
The second issue, the viability of world energy resources, must equally be addressed without delay. Energy resources are already stretched to the limit. In the present state of affairs, and if current growth in China and India persists, additional oil production will not be sufficient to meet global demands. Now is the time for President Bush and Crown Prince Abdullah to take a joint and noble stand by launching a major study into the availability of world energy resources. Such a study would require worldwide cooperation, it must be thorough and transparent, and it must make recommendations for current energy sources as well as for alternative and cleaner energy sources.
Finally, on the issue of Arab democratization, we are grateful for the help and advice offered by President Bush and other Western leaders, but they must be aware that democracy originates locally, under local conditions and local guidance. Arab democratization is well under way but Arabs must travel down their own road of democratization. By no means should they be given the impression that they are being pushed down someone else’s road. To this end, Western rhetoric and outspokenness should give way a little more to local forces and more discreet but effective discussions. President Bush and Crown Prince Abdullah can achieve much when they meet at the Crawford ranch. Their frankness will serve them well, and they should find in each other a great inspiration and an honest partner. The challenges of an Israeli-Palestinian peace, of a steady energy supply to the world economy, of Arab democratization, and of fighting international terrorism are complex and demanding. But they are within the reach of these two frank leaders and strong believers. |
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"Si vis pacem, para bellum" |
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