Discussion: The Arab States, the Arab-Israeli Conflict and
the Peace Process: Some Comparisons and Contrasts

Moderator: What are the expectations?

Ahmad Kamal: The expectations include comprehensive all-party talks.

Moderator: What are the ways to lobby Cairo?

Ahmad Kamal: One does not need to lobby. We have been accused by the Israelis of influencing the Palestinians. We support what has been agreed upon regionally and internationally. The Oslo Accords were not agreed upon by only one country. The Palestinians have lost a great deal since Camp David. Let’s get what we can from the peace process. The essential step is for Palestinians to have their state.

Participant: Why doesn’t Egypt threaten Israel militarily?

Ahmad Kamal: Egypt is not ready to enter a military conflict with Israel under any circumstances. Egypt’s current infrastructure is barely being maintained, and a war would cause the whole system to collapse. We are striving to sustain the country; we cannot go on just borrowing. The existence of Israel is a fact. I do not agree with radical solutions. There are other ways, for example, Israel went to the last economic conference and gained nothing. The point in politics is to proceed in a very rational way in order not to reach the point of no return.

What has Europe done? The Germans have a point of view as do others within Europe. The Palestinian position should be strengthened. Egypt can play a role in this, even though we still blame the Palestinians for agreeing to Oslo without Syrian participation.

Moderator: Do Palestinians have any expectations of Syria?

Dr. Perthes: Whenever one speaks of a Syrian position one needs to be aware that at times Syria may be a victim of its own propaganda. Also, Syria is quite convinced of the rights of the Palestinian refugees, particularly those in the camps in Lebanon.

Moderator: Why are the Palestinians expecting more from Egypt than from Syria?

Dr. Perthes: Egypt is at the forefront in putting pressure on Israel.

Participant: Palestinians are suffering on all levels. If, today, there was a settlement with Israel, there would still be a problem with Syria. If Syria had to put pressure on Israel, would it threaten it militarily?

Dr. Perthes: No Arab country could or would want to.

Participant: What are the roles of Egypt and Syria in the Middle East economy?

Ahmad Kamal: Although a new Middle East order is being proposed, we believe that Israel can neither dominate the economy of the region nor become a G7 country. It is importing money, labor, and power. Israel cannot go the Middle East as yet nor can it go to Europe because of its inability to compete with lower-priced suppliers, which leave it at a great disadvantage.

The area’s resources can be used to build a new Middle East but we cannot speak of regional cooperation unless there is a clear view of what the peace settlement means. The problem is not the lack of a body to organize, as we already have the Arab League. Yes, we can bring Israel into the Middle East, but the Palestinians have to keep up the pressure. The conflict is economic, not military.