Peace is the only option

The Arab and Islamic reaction to Israel's provocation has been disappointing, but it is the US that must take the lead

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The Arab and Islamic reaction to Israel's expansion plans in occupied eastern Jerusalem reveals the former's disappointing weakness and the negligence of most political leaderships to protect the nation's values and sacred places.

The recent announcement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before the annual conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee that Israel would continue to build in eastern Jerusalem was a challenge not only to Arabs and Muslims, but to public opinion worldwide.

Jerusalem is not a colony, it is Israel's capital, Netanyahu said, adding that construction in Jerusalem is like construction in Tel Aviv.

These remarks signalled Zionist designs to demolish the Al Aqsa Mosque and build the so-called Temple Mount in its place, work which began with the opening the Al Kharab synagogue on March 16.

Netanyahu's remarks came at a time when US-Israeli relations seem to be deteriorating, and the US is attempting to convince Israel to resume negotiations with the Palestinians.

Israeli arrogance is such that the Zionists no longer care about reactions across the world.

Sadly, Arabs have not lifted a finger in reaction to this arrogance, although Jerusalem is the city of Islam, Christianity and Judaism.

This raises a big question: Where is the role of Organisation of the Islamic Conference and the Arab League?

Threat of war

The Israeli stubbornness has caused the American Newsweek magazine to wonder whether Netanyahu's actions will spark a third world war with the Islamic world, which would harm US interests, especially in Arab and Islamic countries.

We must also keep in mind that extremist political Islam forces are waiting for this opportunity to activate their own agenda.

The Israeli escalation and the freezing of the peace process represent new challenges for US President Barack Obama, who is keen to revive the peace process and bring both parties to the negotiation table.

What the US must realise is that taking firm decisions does not necessarily mean forsaking the decisions of former administrations, which were made in different circumstances.

Only such resolutions will restore respect for the US, especially since the Arab side has offered many concessions for peace.

The solution to the Arab-Israel conflict lies in the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, which was the dream of the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and other Arab and Muslim leaders.

It is also very important at this critical stage that the Arab media, especially television stations, play an effective part in launching a campaign to save the holy sites in Jerusalem, especially Al Aqsa Mosque.

Arab political heavyweights such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan, along with the Palestinian National Authority, have stressed through many media outlets that reaching a peaceful resolution between Israel and the Palestinians is a priority.

High stakes

They have also made it clear that failure to arrive at a resolution soon would be in the interest of some anti-US powers, whether countries or political organisations.

There is no doubt that the two-state solution is in the best interest of all parties, despite all their ideological differences.

Hence, Washington must realise that its interests are in danger as a result of Israel's recalcitrance, and its backing by the US.

There is no other option for all parties than peace, which would help to reduce extremism and violence in the world.

(Dr Mohammad Abdullah Al Mutawa is a professor of sociology at UAE University in Al Ain)

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