America has failed to learn from past wars

• Last Updated: November 23. 2009 9:38PM UAE / November 23. 2009 5:38PM GMT

The western interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan are strategic lessons for every politician, showing that the world is truly different from what is portrayed by think-tank groups which influence the decisions of leaders, the UAE newspaper Akbar Al Khaleej said in its editorial.

Facts on the ground are more important to consider than ready-made recommendations. Many US neoconservative strategists thought that military action in Iraq would be a “fun trip” to ensure the oil supply to the West, but they later were caught in the middle of a complicated war.

The situation in Afghanistan is a little different from that of Iraq because there are fewer incentives there to convince America and its allies to stay. “The very existence of foreign troops in the country has thus become a dilemma. On the one hand, they are not able to withdraw under the present circumstances because that would be a resounding military defeat. On the other, they cannot continue staying there because of the cost, which cannot be offset locally as Afghanistan has no oil or precious metals.”

Thus western countries in Afghanistan have to continue their actions without tangible gains. This is reminiscent of the Vietnam wars that consecutively involved France and the US. Past experiences apparently have not influenced the American decisionmakers to avoid the quagmires of war.

The GCC turns into the region’s locomotive

Officials in Doha announced this week that Qatar would like to finalise a railway project amounting to $22.79 bilion to be implemented by the German giant Deutsche Bahn in one of the largest overseas deals in the history of German industry, wrote Reem Khalifa in an opinion piece for the Bahraini newspaper Al Wasat.

In  a statement to Reuters, Qatari officials said that the construction work would continue until 2026, and include freight and passenger lines and a tramway network in addition to a 40-kilometre causeway to link Qatar with Saudi Arabia, one of the longest sea bridges in the world.

“Such a project expresses the urgent need to establish a railway network to connect GCC countries in a serious effort to address the inadequate transport infrastructure compared to the rising needs of an increasing population.” 

By the same token, according to economic reports, the GCC states would like to boost public spending in response to the current credit crunch and international demands to use their sovereign fund savings. Strategically, a GCC railway network will definitely be an ambitious project that would have a positive impact on the economy, the lives of the population and relations among the region’s people. To streamline its implementation,  all countries concerned should thus consider erasing all obstacles that may delay the project.

Hamas shows itself to be in utter disarray

“As soon as Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority, declared that Hamas was holding secret negotiations with Israel on establishing a provisional Palestinian state, Mahmoud al Zahar, a member of the Hamas leadership in the Gaza Strip, denied such a claim,” wrote Tariq al Homayed in the London-based newspaper Al Sharq al Awsat.

Meanwhile, Fathi Hammad, minister of interior in the Hamas government in Gaza, said that his government reached an agreement with Palestinian factions to stop firing rockets at Israel and that no resistance acts shall be undertaken for the moment. A question arises: If Hamas is neither seeking national reconciliation nor resistance or negotiations, then what does it want? And what are its plans?

“Without these aims in mind, Hamas cannot free the occupied territories, nor can it achieve its dream state, or improve the deteriorating living conditions of people in Gaza.” Any party needs first to achieve national reconciliation, negotiate, and lead a resistance. This multiple process should be undertaken in a wise manner to rightly serve the Palestinian cause.

Mr al Zahar’s and Mr Hammad’s remarks were evidence of the extent of disorientation that Hamas is experiencing. The movement is apparently interested only to preserve its “emirate” even at the expense of the Palestinian cause and the interests of Palestinians. 

The Arab world should intervene in Yemen

The war between the Yemeni authorities and the Houthis is by all measures a tragedy, remarked Salama Akkour in an opinion piece in the Jordanian daily Al Rai. 

“The strife is a war of attrition, and if it persists, its flames will extend far to other countries in the region. The war emerged as a political one under sectarian cover so as to appear a conflict between the Sunni regime in Yemen and the Shiite community.”

The fighting is likely to spread fast and can, by hook or by crook, involve other parties. The war has already resulted in heavy casualties: thousands killed and many more injured and left homeless. It must be ended as soon as possible because it is not in  the interests of the Arab and Muslim world since it has expanded to the Saudi borders. Arab and Muslim countries need to seize an initiative by launching mediation between all parties involved to stop the bloodshed. 

So far the neutral stance taken by many does not address the problem and is not justified. This is why intervention by the Arab League or the Organisation of the Islamic Conference would be welcomed.

* Digest compiled by Mostapha Elmouloudi

melmouloudi@thenational.ae