In my course, Introduction to Arabic Culture, I employ a method of analysis that consists of three simultaneous approaches. The first is a critical examination of the culture’s history and tradition. The second is a focus on the present state and manifestation of the contemporary Arab culture or cultures. The third is speculations on my part and that of the students to probe possible future changes based on both history and present trends and usually characterized by varying degrees of certainties or uncertainties.
Having been closely following the latest developments in the Arab-Israeli conflict and peace overtures, what I noticed the most is the prevailing sense of pessimism regarding the upcoming Arab-Israeli summit. The summit, which is sponsored by the United Sates and is expected to take place in Annapolis, Md., is mostly viewed not as another positive step toward a two-state solution, but as an end in itself. The past ups and downs in the conflict that are being looked upon by many Arab, American or Israeli observers as being a thing of the past or as having run out their course, I look at as necessary developments that brought the two sides to where they are today.
When it comes to recent history, one can look no further than the examples set by late Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin and late Egyptian president Anwar Sadat. They faced each other on the battlefield yet later lost their lives for the sake of peace. The two men’s sacrifice not only paved the way for the signing of the Camp David peace agreement that eventually enabled the Israelis and the Palestinians to start having face to face negotiations leading to the Oslo peace accords. Most importantly, they broke long established taboos that prevented the Israelis and the Arabs from directly talking to each other not needing to go trough a third party and lose ample opportunities for peace.
Think about the proposed two-state solution being openly accepted by all parties directly involved in the negotiations including Israel, the Palestinian authority and the US government. Thanks to all the genuine efforts toward peace and particularly those voices that understand the lessons of history and the facts on the ground, the solution can become a reality. While there are many observers who view the upcoming conference with pessimism, I tend to think based on my three-way approach to the conflict, and regardless of whether it will take place as scheduled and achieve all or some of its objectives it is yet another positive move in the right direction.
I am optimistic because history teaches us that there were many times when Arabs and Jews lived side by side and in harmony. I am optimistic because both people adhere to the heritage of monotheism through Abraham and the Semitic lineage through his sons Isaac or Ishmael. I am optimistic because the trends that are gaining in popularity and influence on both sides are essentially those aimed at recreating those positive aspects of their mutual history. I am finally optimistic because both people are becoming more and more convinced that they have a lot more in common than what separates them beginning with their common humanity.
– Fathi El-Shihibi is a professor in the World Languages Center .
