Arab unity is key to stability

The move by the Iraqi government to strengthen ties with Egypt comes as a welcome development at a crucial time in the region. Tensions are rife in this part of the world, especially after the escalation of fighting in northern Yemen and the southern border of Saudi Arabia.

Iraq, still searching for keys to stability, will be one of the most affected by the rise in regional tensions. It could be used, as clearly seen in the past three years, as a convenient stage to settle political scores; including inter-Arab or even anti-US.

One of the main keys to bring about stability in the occupied country could be rebuilding strong relations with Arab states, including Syria and Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, Iraqi ties with both countries are sour. Egypt therefore can play an important role in opening the door for better relations between Baghdad and its more influential neighbours, Damascus and Riyadh.

The Egyptian role, and an overall strong Arab presence in Iraq, can also be used to balance the increasingly aggressive Iranian role there. It is perhaps a coincidence that Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki's visit to Cairo on Monday came as the Iranians briefly took over an Iraqi oil well. But there is a lesson there, isn't there?