HOUSTON, 25 April — Crown Prince Abdullah will today meet President Bush in Crawford, Texas. Observers believe that the Saudi crown prince’s main objective is to provide Bush with some clear insight, directly and frankly, on the present situation in the Middle East.
The crown prince will relay to the US president the Arab agreement for a comprehensive peace plan and normalization of relations with Israel based on the implementation of UN resolutions, an end to occupation and settlement-building and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
At the same time, the US media have stepped up their criticism of the Palestinian leadership with certain segments of it having all but approved the atrocities and the sufferings inflicted on the West Bank and its residents.
These segments focus on Israel’s quest for a partner for peace. However, it is obvious that the Arabs need a genuine partner in making a just peace, one who accepts the right of Palestinians to create their own state.
In the light of the crown prince’s visit, many Op-Ed columns are focusing on the Palestinian issue. The Krauthammers, Kristols, Wills, Kellys and Safires have been joined in chorus by many others such as Craig Hines, a Houston Chronicle columnist who has heaped attacks on the Kingdom using the most distorted and convoluted language.
Not only that but his knowledge of the area, based primarily on hearsay and unfounded rumor, made him parrot oft-repeated charges of fundamentalism and extremism.
Not to be outgunned, although from the other side of the fence, House Republican Majority whip, Tom DeLay, Republican-Sugarland, told the powerful pro-Israeli lobby on Tuesday that President Bush’s doctrine of opposing regimes that support terrorism requires support for Israeli military actions in Palestinian cities.
If this is true then it is doubtful that Bush can ever strike a fair balance, as an honest broker or gain Arab allies in a wider war on terror. As Hassan Yassin, a columnist in this paper said, “How do I define terrorism?”
In addition, DeLay also suggested that Israel should remain in control of Palestinian-inhabited areas captured in previous wars and military actions.
Similar outcries by other Republicans, their eyes on the midterm elections have stiffened the resolve of Sen. John Kerry to speak out against those who criticize, even slightly, Sharon’s present policies on the West Bank.
Against the background of all these bellicose statements, irresponsible media advice by one-track minded columnists, it is important that the Bush administration study Crown Prince Abdullah’s plan with the utmost care.
The crown prince has come to the US carrying a message of peace, said an American who is a long-time Gulf analyst. His words should be well-heeded. There may not be a second chance. I hope in the interest of world peace that they will be heeded.
