There is no difference in the strategic objectives of Saudi Arabia and other Arab states and those of the US vis-à-vis the situation in Lebanon. All desire a Lebanon that is master of its own house, a sovereign Lebanon that does not have a private army operating within its borders, a private army that is beyond Lebanon’s control.
But there is a difference in tactics. The Saudi position is that there has to be an immediate cease-fire after which there can be negotiations to ensure that Lebanon becomes a fully sovereign state once again. The US appears to take the view that while a cease-fire is necessary, Hezbollah has to be sufficiently reined-in.
The Saudi position — which is also the position of Egypt — is infinitely wiser and far more compassionate. An immediate cease-fire, as suggested and supported by Saudi Arabia, would save hundreds of lives, the lives of innocent Lebanese civilians who are being used as disposable pawns in this savage war. Ending the bombardments and saving those lives must be the first, the pressing and the immediate priority. Ensuring Lebanon’s sovereignty will follow naturally after that — and it ought to happen as speedily as possible. Pressure can be brought to bear on Hezbollah to accept that there is only one authority in Lebanon — the Lebanese government.
Saudi diplomatic efforts have been operating over the last few days at a level of intensity rarely seen in recent times, with hastily convened meetings, urgent talks and messages flying back and forth. All have the same clear and simple objective — to ensure an immediate cease-fire, to end Lebanon’s suffering and devastation and ensure its full sovereignty. It is not just a cease-fire that Saudi Arabia aims for, it is the full package.
A meeting has been convened between Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to coordinate policy; the king has been in touch with British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Russian President Vladimir Putin; Crown Prince Sultan has had talks with French President Jacques Chirac; Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal was in Washington on Sunday for talks with President Bush and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice before she left for the Middle East and talks with Lebanese, Israeli and Palestinian leaders. Another meeting is due in Rome to coordinate Arab and European views.
King Abdullah has ordered a telethon to raise funds to help the suffering Lebanese. In addition the Saudi government announced Tuesday $500 million in aid and $1 billion to the central bank to maintain the nation’s economic stability. The Saudis also announced an aid package of $250 million for the Palestinians.
It is not only Lebanon that is at the forefront of intense Saudi diplomacy; in tandem with a cease-fire in Lebanon, there has to be other equally urgent efforts to end Israel’s campaign of terror in Gaza. Sovereignty in Lebanon will be mirrored by sovereignty in Palestine.
