THE INTER-ARAB SYSTEM AND THE ARAB-ISRAELI CONFLICT: RIPENING FOR RESOLUTION, Bruce MADDY – WEITZMAN

Abstract

A combination of sharp conflict and close co-operation has always characterised inter-Arab relations. Historically, they have been shaped by a myriad of factors: pan-Arab ideology, which tended to de-legitimise the very existence of multiple Arab states and demanded conformity to a common standard of political behaviour vis-a-vis the outside world as a minimum price for existence; the reality of multiple, emerging states with competing interests; competition for the role of regional leadership; and various social, economic and personal factors. Within this complex picture, the Arab-Israeli conflict served as a central component in shaping inter-Arab affairs, both uniting and dividing the Arab world. Quite often, the phenomenon of 'outbidding' muzayada , in which one Arab party would seek to prove its fidelity to the ideals of Arabism by highlighting the alleged lack of militancy of another Arab state vis-a-vis Israel, exacerbated inter-Arab conflicts. In turn, 'outbidding' often generated a worsening of Arab-Israeli tensions.1 However, the sea changes that have taken place in both the regional and international systems during the past decade, not to mention the renewal of the Arab-Israeli peace process, have left their mark on inter-Arab affairs. It thus behoves us to examine the extent to which inter-Arab relations have ceased having a negative influence on Arab-Israeli relations and even begun to affect Arab-Israeli dynamics in a positive fashion. One must now inquire as to the extent to which the majority of Arab states and societies are now ripe for a broader dialogue with Israel in the political-strategic, economic and even cultural spheres.