Straight talk

His Majesty King Abdullah’s address to the 27th Arab Summit in Nouakchott delivered on his behalf by Prime Minister Hani Mulki was straight talk. 

The King’s words first touched upon the future of the Arab League and other pan-Arab institutions. Joint Arab action is “essential for the security and stability of the region and the prosperity of our peoples”, said the King right at the outset, signalling that the priority now is to move Arab institutions forward so that they become relevant and effective. 

His Majesty did not mince words when he called, therefore, for genuine reforms to pan-Arab institutions, because — at present — their performance remains below the aspirations of the Arab nation. 

“This reform is needed today more than ever,” said the King. “Our challenges are the same and our security and futures are connected, making joint Arab action indispensable,” he added. 

In other words, the delicate phase through which the region is going shows how important it is to have such entities as the Arab League. 

In fact, this could be an opportunity for the league to grow beyond the statements, the communiqués, and the condemnations to become an effective institution that brings Arabs together in their efforts to combat terrorism and restore stability to their unrest-ridden region.

The King’s speech did not shy away from other issues facing the Arab world. 

On the fight against terrorism, the King said that “it is a war in defence of our faith and culture. We can either rise to face terrorism as individual states, or we take the right decision and face it collectively, following a holistic approach”. 

Of course that was not the first time that His Majesty warned that the dangers posed by terrorism require a genuine united Arab front and its approach must be multifaceted. 

The King also referred to the Palestinian crisis, which he described as the central conflict in the region that awaits resolution. 

He also referred to the Syrian front and called for a speedy political solution — something that he has been calling for, ever since the eruption of the civil war in the country. 

Many had voiced support for this solution but have in fact worked against it by seeking a military solution. 

The King expressed Jordan’s stance loud and clear on all matters of concern to the Arab world and offered the Kingdom’s vision for the way forward, but it remains to be seen whether any in the region would heed the call.