Arab-US ties likely to see better times

Abu Dhabi: With George W. Bush having two months left in office before being replaced by President Elect Barack Obama, US-Arab relations are likely to change for the better, a scholar said on Sunday.

"Change is imminent, but the question is how the policy will change," Dr John Anthony, founding president of the National Council on US-Arab Relations based in Washington DC, said at a lecture titled the Future of US-Arab Relations held at the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research.

Enemies

Anthony highlighted how since the creation of Israel, America's enemies have been abundant. "Prior to 1947 and 1948, I can think of no enemy that America had," he added.

Anthony preferred not to forecast how Obama will restore the relationship, but made it very clear that during Bush's eight-year terms a lot of damage has been done.

"One fifth of Iraqis were made refugees since the invasion...Among the challenges facing the new president will be how to restore what has been destroyed," Anthony said.

Anthony has been at the forefront of US-Arab relations for more than three decades. His involvement in the region has made him an adviser to many congressmen and politicians. He has set up many organisations dedicated to creating a dialogue and improving relations between Washington and the Arab world. He is a staunch believer that democratisation is not the single solution to the Arab world.

"You have had an extra-ordinary leader who forged and sustained this system of governance. I was fortunate to be here before independence and very few thought you would last six months, but now in your 37th year, you have taken a form of governance that my country tried twice and failed ignominiously both times," Anthony said.

Appeal: Abdullah initiative

Jordan's King Abdullah II on Sunday urged US president-elect Barack Obama's new administration to become "directly" involved in efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East.

"I look forward to working with US president-elect Barack Obama to end the [Palestinian-Israeli] conflict in the region and reach comprehensive peace based on a two-state solution," the king told editors of Jordanian dailies.

- Reuters