Doha Summit Can Be Different

The annual Arab summit being held in Doha, March 30-31, has created a stir even before it went into session. By speaking out in one voice on the Arab-Israel peace process and other issues confronting the region, the Arab foreign ministers have set the agenda for the summit opening in Doha, Qatar today.

This Arab summit is being held at a time when differences in the Arab ranks are sharper and broader. Israel’s recent aggression on Gaza and the Arab world’s response to the attack have seen the Arab world more divided than ever. Similarly, the diplomatic tug of war between Iran and some Arab countries over a host of security concerns has raised stakes in the region with two distinct camps emerging in the Arab world. This is most unfortunate considering the enormous challenges the Arab countries and their people face on a daily basis. Which is why the Arab summit in Doha has generated both hope and scepticism in equal measure in the region.

Predictably, the summit spotlight remains focused on the Palestine-Israel peace process. The Arabs have once again warned that their patience is running out and that the peace plan proposed by Saudi Arabia in 2002 will not forever remain on the table.

The sentiment is of course very noble. And there’s no doubt that the ball remains in Israel’s court. But without the necessary diplomatic efforts and pressure from the Arab leaders, there is little hope that there can be any forward movement on this front in near future. Especially when Likud party’s Benjamin Netanyahu is all set to take over as the leader of Israel. Even US President Barack Obama has expressed apprehensions about the future of peace process under Netanyahu. These are clearly challenging times for the entire region and demand really forceful and effective initiatives on the part of the Arabs to persuade the new US leadership to keep its historic promise on peace and two-state solution. This calls for greater unity of purpose and action in the Arab and Muslim ranks, not petty power games between the Arabs and Iranians or among Arab capitals.

To the surprise of many, Arab ministers have put their foot down by uniting behind President Omar Al-Bashir of Sudan. They have urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to annul its arrest warrant against Bashir. This could not only help revitalise the role of the Arab League but also give an impetus to peace efforts by countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia in Darfur.

With inter-Arab reconciliation and a rapprochement with Teheran high on agenda, Doha summit can be more successful than other such affairs in the past. The Arab leaders must bury their differences if they want the world to take them seriously.