A nation that wants no enemies

Studying half a century of recent Arab historical past leaves one with a sobering impression: this area has by no means actually wanted exterior enemies to decrease its position. A lot of its decline has come from inside. The erosion of affect and the shrinking of its geopolitical house weren’t merely the results of outdoors conspiracies, however largely the result of failing to adapt to international adjustments and to acknowledge the laborious guidelines of an evolving worldwide order. This actuality underscores a basic fact: diplomacy stays essentially the most dependable and sustainable path in a area lengthy outlined by turbulence. Historic expertise demonstrates that negotiation and dialogue have secured extra tangible rights and positive aspects than direct confrontation or fiery rhetoric ever did. Diplomacy is just not merely an alternative choice to power; it’s a technique of translating shifting balances of energy into sensible achievements. For many years, nevertheless, the Arab world was captive to slogans that consumed its vitality with out producing outcomes. These slogans turned substitutes for efficient insurance policies and had been typically used to masks shortcomings. But their vacancy finally turned evident, as Arab publics grew extra conscious and extra discerning. At present, it’s truthful to say that the age of hole slogans has ended. Individuals now not place religion in lofty guarantees that lead nowhere, however as a substitute search for reasoned methods that ship. The deeper problem has been the persistence of destructive narratives that lure collective consciousness in a cycle of frustration. Such narratives have supplied neither options nor imaginative and prescient—solely obstacles. And but, historical past exhibits that nations can at all times rebuild themselves in the event that they select to desert rhetoric and embrace practical agendas grounded in growth, rational politics, and proactive diplomacy. Amid these challenges, there are nonetheless indicators of hope. One was on show lately on the United Nations in New York, the place Saudi Arabia’s international minister led a concerted effort to advance worldwide recognition of a Palestinian state. The picture carried weight past the second: it mirrored how coordinated Arab diplomacy, guided by readability of objective, can restore legitimacy to historic rights and revive hope in a extra simply future. The central lesson is evident: earlier than confronting exterior adversaries, the Arab world should confront itself. The true wrestle lies in overcoming inner weak point, breaking free from sterile slogans, and investing in real instruments of energy, growth, governance, and diplomacy. Solely then will the trail ahead start to open. What occurred in New York serves as a reminder that the longer term, nevertheless troublesome, is just not closed off. The long run will certainly be brighter when change begins from inside fairly than from with out. * Sultan Alsaad is a Saudi author and journalist who has contributed to quite a few Arab newspapers.

Supply hyperlink