Arab League credibility depends on resolving Darfur crisis

[gottaB]

"Reform" was the magic word at the Arab League summit in Tunis last weekend. Statements followed signed declarations and pledges to promote democracy, civil society and human rights in the states making up the Arab world.

Fine words. But before the Arab League can proceed in the direction of reform, it must demonstrate an ability to play a meaningful role - at ground level - in Arab world politics. Unfortunately, far from demonstrating an ability to tackle regional problems, the organization has failed to demonstrate even a willingness to attempt such a hands-on approach: instead, the preference for talk and bravado is well entrenched.

Palestine and Iraq - the two most pressing and stubborn issues in the Middle East today - appear to be no-go zones for the Arab League. While the latter is a recent crisis, the tragedy of Palestine has haunted the pan-Arab organization for more than half a century, and has, time and time again, torn the fig leaf of potency from its body politic. Perhaps, then, effective political action - such as reform - begins at home. If playing any effective role in resolving the imbroglios of Palestine and Iraq is clearly beyond the ability of the league or of any of its individual members, the Darfur crisis in western Sudan should not be.

Arab League credibility depends on resolving Darfur crisis....

[taxidriver]

1. I wasn't aware...

that the arab league had credibility to lose.

[comradebillyboy]

2. beat me to the punch there taxi

indeed, what credability?

[taxidriver]

3. here's an Arab league meeting all summed up.

--"Let's hate Israel."

--"yeah, that's cool."

--"shoot, while we're at it, let's screw people over by jacking up oil prices".

--"that's cool too."

[gottaB]

4. The Star anticipated your criticism

you know, "talk and bravado"

[bemildred]

5. The Arab league has no credibility. nt