Voice of Arabs
By the Editor

WITH determined tone, the Arab leaders moot in Algiers has declared that Israel cannot expect peace and normalized ties with the Arab world if it does not make concessions and give up all occupied territories. The moot was hosted by Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

Arab leaders have given a loud and clear message to the world in general and Israel in particular that the Jewish State will have to shun its vandal conduct, respect the sovereignty of the Arab nations and vacate its aggression from all occupied areas, besides taking urgent steps for the establishment of the Palestinian State for peace and normalization.

It’s certainly encouraging that the Arab leaders have come out with a pragmatic and dignified stand on the Middle East problem. The Arabs have remained at the receiving end over the past half a century due to their failure to articulate their bold response to the challenges of the situation arising out of the Jewish State’s creation in the heart of the Arab world through international intrigue.

It’s, however, a matter of satisfaction that the Arab world has oscillated to seek its legitimate rights that are pivotal to bring about peace and normalization in the region.

It is hoped that the Arab nations will forge unity of thought and action and will not fall prey to the machinations of the United States designed to jeopardize their principled stand on the Middle East crisis.

The Algiers meeting is certainly a manifestation of this realization that Middle East can move forward towards peace, security, stability and progress only if Israel opts for a positive and ethical conduct in the region, which has ironically remained in turmoil for over half a century owing to Israel’s policy of vandalism, usurpation and aggression against its neighbours.

It’s important that the Arabs should pursue this strategy with an urgent sense of resolve so as to live with honour and self-respect.

Israel will, however, have to vacate all the occupied territories including the Golan Heights for the sake of normalization in the region. Israel is bound to face a tough time in the days to come if it failed to stem with the tide of time.● 

 —  Mumtaz Hamid Rao
www.MumtazRao.net