Opinion | Editorials
Time for an Arab dialogue with Iran
Nations in the region have a major stake in the developments involving Tehran.
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:29 December 24, 2008
There is no question that Iranian-Arab relations are important and hence should be based on constructive and positive communications. And the best means of achieving fruitful relations is through open and meaningful dialogue.
The Arab League's secretary general, Amr Mousa, has called for a regional dialogue with Iran. "Time has come for an Arab-Iranian dialogue, which should include all issues. We have differences and problems, but these can be solved because Iran is an important country," he said.
Mousa also warned Arabs not to allow Iran or other foreign powers to strengthen their presence in the region as Arabs have to be proactively involved when it comes to Iran's nuclear programme. The call by Mousa is undoubtedly critical for Arab-Iranian relations.
But such a call had been made earlier as well. In fact, the UAE has been repeatedly calling on Iran for peaceful and productive talks, given that both sides have issues that need to be addressed.
Arab countries cannot stand on the sidelines when it comes to Iran since its policies affect the region's security. They also cannot ignore the tensions escalating between Iran and the international community over the latter's controversial policies. Arab nations simply cannot afford inaction any more.
Opinion Editor's choice
-
Russia, China complicit in Syria carnage
By Fawaz Turki, Special to Gulf News
By their double veto at the UN, they have chosen to back the Al Assad regime that is already wet spaghetti
-
Two prime ministers in trouble
By Kuldip Nayar, Special to Gulf News
Gilani faces contempt of court charge while Singh encounters moral responsibility in 2G scam case
-
Moving towards honest democracy
By Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister of Russia
Russia needs to unbundle power and property and separate executive power from system of checks over it
Your turn
