For the King Mohammed VI, Arab summits should either be taken seriously or should not be convened at all. Holding them just for the sake of holding them does not make sense. The Arab Summit in Algiers, scheduled for early November, has much at stake: unifying Arab countries around a common vision of renewed peace, possible prosperity and working together to overcome divisions and dissension.
Holding an Arab summit requires mobilization, considerable effort, and commitment. Algeria’s efforts in this regard are praiseworthy. But the responsibility falls upon all Arab countries to ensure that the Summit is successful, first by making sure that all that countries are represented by heads of states and then by the willingness and disposition of all Arab leaders to take courageous decisions.
The King of Morocco’s message to Algerian and Arab leaders is clear: let us leave behind the bellicose rhetoric, the causes of discord, the continuous misinformation, and the voices of dissent, and let us strive to make the Algiers summit a landmark in Arab collective action. The call for peace launched by the King of Morocco to the Algerian government and people on July 30th (Morocco Throne Day) will be reiterated, but this time in Algiers and with all Arab leaders around the table.
It has even been reported that contacts have been made on behalf of Morocco with the Gulf countries to ensure high-level representation to make the Algiers Summit a success. King Mohamed VI did not give in to the negative rhetoric that wanted to derail the summit or postpone it indefinitely just because it is going to be held in Algiers. There are reasons for discord between Morocco and Algeria, of course, but why sacrifice the common Arab causes just because the summit is being held in Algiers?
Besides, what a great opportunity for Moroccans and Algerians to tell each other the truth: what is it that bothers Algeria about Morocco’s behavior and vice versa? There is the Western Sahara issue for sure; but it is not the only issue at stake: we can cite closed borders and closed airspace, cut diplomatic relations, bellicose rhetoric on both sides, and a shared past with its moments of glory and pain…
But the challenges are also enormous for both countries: halted Maghreb integration, which costs the countries of the region 2% of their GDP; the constant threat of terrorism, illegal migration and cross-border crime; instability in the Sahel, the chronic Libyan security and political crisis, and the development challenges of West Africa etc. It seems utopian to talk about these issues in a context of maximum tension between the two countries, tension that has spread to social media and even to sporting events. But as Churchill said, “never let a good crisis go to waste”. History sometimes manifests itself in uncanny forms and strange rendezvous: the Algerians have created the opportunity by working selflessly to hold the Summit and the King of Morocco is honoring this effort by saying he would attend. The two countries should not let this unprecedented moment pass without discussing and charting the way forward to bring together the aspirations of the two neighborly and brotherly peoples.
On the other hand, the problems that require Arabs to work together are multiple and complex. Syria, Yemen, Libya, and Somalia are hotspots of constant tension and war. Sudan, Iraq, and Lebanon are going through difficult political, economic and security periods.
And, of course, there is the Palestinian question: a cause that can only win if it is kept away from political instrumentalization and media manipulation. The Arab Peace Initiative launched by the late King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia and adopted by the Beirut Summit in 2002 remains on the table and can be reiterated and readopted by the Algiers Summit. There will be no effective normalization of relations with Israel until a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital is created.
The same goes for Iran: as long as it continues to interfere in the affairs of Arab countries through its militias and Shia minorities, Iran will be seen as a source of trouble and a threat to the countries of the region.
But there are strategic issues that will be discussed at the summit as well: food and energy security, economic integration (based on the best practices developed by the GCC countries and the Agadir Convention), Arab cultural renewal and the adoption of a new development model…
The Algiers Summit can be a new beginning for joint inter-Arab action. A new impetus with a new vision and a new approach. The Arab nation deserves that its leaders take bold and course-changing actions to show the whole world that joint Arab action is well and alive and is contributing to bring peace and prosperity to this conflict-ridden region of the world.
We can only welcome the courage of the King of Morocco, who has swept aside divisive issues with one hand and is ready to address the real problems of the Arab nation: security, development, youth, and the challenges of climate change. Together with his Algerian and Arab counterparts, His Majesty wants to set an example of a leadership that wants to be neither a prisoner of the past nor a hostage of the present. He wants to launch the challenge of facing the future of the Arab nation with courage and determination. Only by uniting the efforts of all Arab countries can we overcome the divisions and build the dream of a prosperous, rich, sustainable, and peaceful Arab space. Our children and Arab citizens deserve it, and it is high time they enjoyed it.