In response to the recent activity by Palestinian refugees in Lebanon demanding civil rights and better living conditions, Nayla Tweini wrote in the Lebanese daily Annahar: "The refugees are entitled to a life of well-being and security that is denied them in their country and in the Arab states they reside in. But it is only in Lebanon that they dare to speak up about their situation, not because their plight there is worse but rather because they know that they won't be held accountable for their statements."
In Egypt, they find themselves under constant constraints. They were persecuted in Jordan and kicked out of Kuwait. In Syria, they are under strict surveillance. The fact is they are discriminated against in most Arab countries. However, the conduct of Palestinians in Lebanon throughout the years is reproachful to say the least, for they were prominent elements in the civil war that tore the country apart. They failed to control terrorists infiltrating their camps, which later led to the fierce battle at Nahr al Bared camp where the Lebanese army suffered many casualties. They still don't comply with the government's request to control weapons smuggling.
The Palestinian refugees must be granted human and civil rights, but they must also assume responsibility for their own actions and show a minimum of good faith towards the country that welcomes them.
In a comment piece for the pan-Arab newspaper Asharq al Awsat, Amal Moussa wrote that French-Algerian relations are inevitable. "Because of the historical character of these relations, and the big Algerian community in France it is impossible to think of a break-up." This does not limit Algeria from pursuing its demands, however. Benefitting from its economic weight amid a financial crisis that has swept the world, Algeria will reiterate its demands that France present a formal apology and offer compensation for the material and moral damage it caused to Algeria during colonial times. France, on the other hand, has frequently objected to these conditions for restoring normal relations. In an unusual move, Paris passed a law in 2005 that glorifies colonialism and bestows on it legitimacy. Furthermore, France relies on silence, a tendency confirmed by president Nicloas Sarkozy when he admitted that improving relations with Algeria needs more time.
On the Algerian side, the government is less likely to waive its conditions. Algiers is enjoying financial abundance with a strong public spending budget for the next five years, and its relations with the US are improving remarkably. That Algeria has alternative partners would make life difficult for France, which needs to change its attitude by considering pragmatically the Algerian demands.
"Which has priority for us in the Gulf region, and in the developing world in general, development or democracy?" asked Turki al Dakheel in a comment piece for Bahraini newspaper Al Watan. Countries that have opted for development first as a policy proved that they are more evolved. "Democracy isn't a set of ballot boxes.It requires historical, cultural and social accumulations to mature." In fact, if we look at the trajectory of democracy in Europe, we realise that it wasn't imposed or coerced, but it rather grew out of adequate circumstances to become a fact and a way of life. This can easily be seen during the recent subtle and uneventful change in government in Britain.
However, a glance at the situation in our Arab countries, where social and political dissidence prevents unified government, as witnessed in Lebanon and in Iraq, shows that democracy cannot thrive unless born out of a solid developmental basis. "Arab history has shown that countries that prioritise democracy hardly ever reach a true developmental rise, whereas nations that focus on development enjoy de facto political stability." Democracy is a result, not a cause, of modernisation. It grows upwards, not the other way around. It is intrinsic to people's conscience, and directly dependent on their level of education and liberty. It is the only basis for any democratic society.
In a lead article, the Egyptian newspaper Al Ahram hailed the policy of dialogue adopted by Egypt in order to resolve the outstanding issue of the Nile basin. The newspaper predicts Cairo will succeed in this diplomatic endeavour aiming at ensuring a continued supply of water and power.
This was clear during the last meeting of the council of ministers of water affairs for the Nile basin countries held in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa. Egypt's policies include strengthening Cairo's relations with the Nile basin countries in light of its historical role in Africa by increasing its contacts with African leaders and opening multiple avenues of dialogue. Areas of co-operation will span academic and strategic fields. One initiative is the creation of a special research centre by Alexandria University, which will devise projects to promote academic relations with the Nile basin countries and find sustainable solutions to development and environment problems.
The centre will also draw a long-term strategy that takes into account such variables as regional and international developments as well as the pressing issues of population growth and food and water shortages. * Digest compiled by Racha Makarem @Email:rmakarem@thenational.ae