Mubarak says Arab world in ‘best state’

News Watch

Saturday, 04 July 2009

CAIRO: President Hosni Mubarak said the Arab world is currently in the best of states and that its problems will end in time. Speaking to reporters after a tour of factories in Sixth of October city Wednesday, Mubarak said cooperation between Arab nations is continuous and ongoing. “All our efforts are aimed at bringing together the Arab nations,” he said. Mubarak’s comments come at a time when the Middle East appears demarcated into pro and anti-Iranian camps, with Syria and groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas aligned to the Persian country, while US allies such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia are wary about its growing influence in the region. Diaa Rashwan from Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies expressed his surprise at Mubarak’s comments, especially in light of the many conflicts in the region. “On what basis does he say this?” Rashwan told Daily News Egypt. “What are the indicators he is using? It doesn’t make sense, especially when we look at the situation in Darfur, Palestine and Iraq.” He added that the possible reason for Mubarak’s comments may stem from a differing perspective than the citizens of the Arab world. “None of the Arab leaders have the same priorities as you and me, they look at it from their interests,” Rashwan said, “and those are continuity and stability for themselves so maybe from their perspective everything seems fine.” Tension has also been visibly palpable between Arab nations since the Israeli offensive on the Gaza strip last December when Egypt was criticized for not opening the Rafah border crossing during the strikes. A schism occurred between Egypt and Qatar during the crisis and Saudi efforts to arbitrate between them did not meet with much success. Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit lashed out at Qatar-based Al Jazeera for their coverage of the crisis which he deemed critical of Egypt. “Some clarification would be welcome so maybe we can be as optimistic as [Mubarak] is about the Arab world,” Rashwan said. Daily News Add this Article to your Bookmark site Set as favorite Bookmark Email this Trackback(0)  TrackBack URI for this entry Comments (3) Subscribe to this comment's feed Manzoor-ul Haq: ... Did the Arab rulers in 62 years ever sat together to defend Gaza (that is what is left of the Palestine) if attacked by Israel. Did they agree to form a joint united defence treaty to fight against Israel, the occupier of Palestine? Mubarak of Egypt has more than once categorically refused to fight or protest against the Israeli blockading of re-building construction material people of Gaza are so desperately waiting for. Did Egypt ever-watched US/UK shipping supply of arms to Israel through close by sea channel and reported to the Security Council? It closes eyes to the danger like 1967 war destruction of Egyptian Air Force on the tarmac waiting to be attack by the enemy. In the darkest time of need to help its neighbour Gaza, Mubarak regime chose a safe bet to concrete the Rafah crossing border permanently. However, in the thick of recent Gaza war, he felt obliged to supply food parcels to marooned hungry Israeli soldiers by helicopter. 1 report abuse vote down vote up July 08, 2009 - 01:56:52 Votes: +1 Manzoor-ul Haq: ... Allah will not guide those who love to establish friendship with enemies of Allah nor shall they achieve success as Allah blocks their eyes and hearts for they are the FASIQOON for they rule not with what Allah has prescribed. 2 report abuse vote down vote up July 05, 2009 - 02:23:09 Votes: +1 Adam Khan: ... Mubarak could be suffering from dementia . . . !? A demented ruler presiding over a fossilized state in charge of a sclerotic society. For the likes of these rulers, this must be the nearest thing to utopia . . . they're sick They (REALLY) have to go - there is no credible argument for such regimes to exist in the Muslim World (of all places) . . . This Ummah is so much better than this - we can be so much more 3 report abuse vote down vote up July 04, 2009 - 18:30:39 Votes: +1 Write comment  Show/hide comment form Name Email Comment smaller | bigger I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage. Add Comment