When Arab unity becomes a necessity [Archives:2003/651/Viewpoint]

Editor
During my last visit to Belgium last week to attend a European Seminar on Trade held in Brussels, I have come to realize once again how divided we are as Arabs, and how it shows in our action. Even European officials at the European Commission see us as divided and with no solid united stance on virtually any thing.
“The European Union may not be a single state, but we are definitely not the Arab League.” one of those officials said to participants at the seminar.
Indeed, this shows how the Arab League is seen as merely a fake illusion that we Arabs created to feel united, yet it is no more than a decoration and a podium to talk a lot and do nothing. Hence, those who are betting on it to bring unity to the Arab nation are somewhat too unrealistic in a time the Arabs have deep divisions that do not only limit their abilities to bring about a united stance, but even to avoid damaging each other.
How many times have you heard Arabs saying “too much talk and little work” while watching Arab summits one after another on TV?
In this globalizing world, we cannot afford staying divided without having our own future at stake. We can look around us and see how different regional unions are emerging in various parts of the world. Those coalitions are popping up in South America, Africa, East Asia, and Europe, which is now expanding to include 25 countries in total and hence controlling a significant share of the world's trade.
“We want to have a say in world affairs, and that cannot happen unless we work on strengthening our unity to have our voice heard by the world, and its superpower, the USA.” said another EU official.
This is the era of coalitions and alliances that have common political, economic, and social objectives.
As Arab countries, we have the advantages the Europeans don't have, and that is a common language, religion, social values, and other attributes that make the probability of a successful Arab Union very high.
Perhaps the EU example is one to follow. Alliances, coalitions and unions are being formed worldwide to fight against imbalance and to gain more from globalization and also to be respected and have their voice heard.
Will the day come when the Arab League will be the Arab Union, with common policies, open trade, and a unified stance? It all depends on our peoples and leaders.
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