The Arab world must participate in global affairs and not follow

The first step towards tackling external challenges is to have the courage to acknowledge and rectify one's own shortcomings before pointing a finger at 'others'. This was the main idea that ran across the first conference, convened in Cairo last week by the Arab Thought Institute, a Beirut-based non-profit organisation established by Saudi Prince Khalid Al Faisal.

One of the issues discussed was 'Towards a fair relationship between Arabs and the West' which gave rise to debate among the participants as to how Arabs will balance their relationship with the world, in particular the West.

This point was clarified by the former GCC Secretariat General, Jameel Al Hujailan, who asked a pertinent question in this regard. He asked whether the present belief of there being a problem between the Arabs and the West was simply a baseless claim or was this a clash between two factions - one that has the upper hand in science, industry and wealth, and another which lacks these. According to Al Hujailan, it is simply a combination of both.

He referred to the relationship between the two worlds as that of master and slave.

Al Hujailan went on to say that national freedoms were stifled and resources abused during the past two centuries when Britain, France and Italy ruled the Arab world. He added that this oppression has continued despite the Arab world gaining its independence. Explaining this, Al Hujailan pointed out that the Western world had continued its infringement of Arab rights. The best example, he said, was that of the unlimited support that Israel receives from the United States. Such a stand, noted Al Hujailan, has aroused Arab anger, frustration and disdain for policies and stands tilted unfairly towards one party.

Al Hujailan is convinced that asking for 'fair' treatment from the mightier is simply a Utopian dream. Having to ask for this, believes Al Hujailan, is uncalled for and unheard of in international relations. Hence, neither pleading nor begging for better treatment by the West will lead to positive results.

The only way out of this dilemma, says Al Hujailan, is for the Arab world to undertake serious self-examination that will pave the way for better treatment by the West.

Highlighting his views on the issue, Prince Khalid expressed his hope that the Arab Thought Institute will serve as a channel between different segments of Arab society, including intellectuals, businessmen, and laymen.

Rather than merely continuing the hype on the clash of civilisations (Islamic and the Arab worlds versus the West), Prince Khalid believes that the Institute will serve as a platform at which cultures meet, communicate and exchange ideas.

"We believe that every civilisation has a base from where it grows and develops. A similar course of development has also occurred in the Western world. The Arab world should not merely be a follower and a bystander but an active participant."

A well known poet and painter, Prince Khalid refuses to allow this organisation to be influenced by the world of politics or marred by religious divisions.

One of the Institute's goals, explained Prince Khalid, is to collaborate with worldwide organisations that are interested in the Arab world. However, differing on the possible role to be played by such organisations, Nasir Al Dhahiri, writes in Al Ittihad (UAE) that the foremost task is to bridge the wide gap that exists between such entities in the Arab world.

If Arabs, says Al Dhahiri, are able to adopt a unified Arab or Islamic cultural forum, they will be able to prevent any attack on their true identity. This can only be achieved if the spirit of teamwork prevails and Arabs get together and draw up a plan that clearly charts out their future.