The Idea of the Arab Unity - Essay Example

Arab unity Arab unity The idea of the Arab unity, dormant for decades, has once resurfaced in various international forums of the world today. Arab union of one type or the other has become the main focus of both political probabilities and possibilities of the entire North East and even parts of North Africa. Although Arabs have not been important individuals in the modern period, the question of their unity gains the world import. Notably, this unity is useful in the maintenance of the British Imperial Communications as well as that of the entry of Americans into Asia and Africa. However, it is mandatory to note that the Arabs role though to some extent may be little, may be played out in the center stage. This study, for this reason, seeks to analyze the various impacts that correlate to the Arabs unity. Arab unity is by no mechanism a new invention, and strides towards a massive cooperation are evident throughout history of the modern Middle East. The above cooperation ranges from Pan-Arabism, Nasserism, to Islamism. In previous decades the formulation of a police force for Arab countries has frequently been frustrated by member states who believe it is not important to their stability, for instance Pakistan.. The emergency of Arab summit held in Qatar on March 2009, preceding Gaza siege by the Israeli troops, was meant to establish a common legal understanding in most of Palestine allied Arab nations. The attack that resulted in massive human casualties displayed Arabs, disillusionment, disunity and disagreement.1 Thus, was the benchmark to necessitate a common ground for the unity of the Arab Nations. In comparison to Europe, new alliances that form the League of Arab States, for instance, on one side was that of Palestinian Liberation Organization, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. While on the other side was that of Syria, Qatar, and Hamas. Rather than joining forces to a common cause that appeared straight forward, and not divisive, the Arab Leagues continuously experienced long-standing disagreements as well as fluctuating rivalries. The above misunderstandings are not only disadvantageous to the economy but also a major set-backs when it comes to issues that pertain international relations and policies. Interregional unity of the Arab states will be a massive boost to ensuring the integration of trans-boundary policies and legislation. Integration of such legislation is what will enhance and speed up the dispute resolution mechanism, without compromising another country’s sovereignty.2 In order to foster a common police force for the Arab states so as to enhance their unity, it is important first to comprehend the various challenges experienced by these Arab states. The Palestinians are currently hostages to repressive inhabitation, the Iraq states is somewhere in between a civil war and a police state, many Middle East countries experience water shortages. In addition to the above, is even a more serious military, and a probable nuclear, stand-off between Iran and Israel, as well as economic hardship that pervades the area. In view of the above challenges, the formation a formidable police force is key in ensuring law and order, as well as fostering the implementation of the various international or regional policies. In view of the above notion, the formulation of a police entity has first to commence with the enhancement of better relations between the member states. It is, however, evident that Arab Leagues strong oppose the unity of these countries, as it threatens the existence of certain militia groups such as the al-Qaeda and ISIS. A balance ought to be sought when harmonizing the various independent country legislation and redefinition of highly sensitive elements of boundary transgression.3 It is the formulation of the above common legislation that will empower the newly established police body in executing their mandates. The formulation of the above policies must be in realization of the broader goal of easing cross-boundary tensions while paying close attention to a country’s sovereignty. The mission and mandate of any international or regional law enforcement body are not only maintaining of law and order in their independent countries, but also to ensure stability and lawful adherence. It is evident that most of the Arab nations experience unrest less and aggressions either from within or without its territories. A number of these States lacks adequate infrastructure and potential to resolve adequately or prevent the above concerns. It is also true that various issues that affect an individual country frequently spills over to the immediate neighboring states, thus posing huge economic and interferences in the legal structures.4 For example, the recent spread of Islamic State in Iraq and Syria is not only a threat to the western countries but also to other Arab states as well. In view of finding remedies to the above problems, it is necessary to strike a balance between the member states in the establishment of a similar motive of ensuring law and order to the above rich economic hubs. Globally, every individual country has its only symbols that resemble and fosters national unity. To mention but a few, are, the constitution of that particular state, the court arms as well as the flag of the state. Formulation of trans-boundary police force among the Arab countries would greatly boost and improve on the unity of the above states.5 These sentiments are based on the essence that the legal interactions seldom comes along with attached legal consequences that apply to all the member states. The law would serve the purpose of integrating the larger Arab leagues into a global village governed by various common laws and regulations with similar penalties all over the member states. In as much as the newly formed police force would greatly reduce crime in these areas, it will also serve as a unifying entity that heavily relies on mutual understanding. The Europol and African Union forms the benchmark with which the Arab states need to imitate in the bid to forming a stronger regional understanding and unifying tool. The latter have clearly outlined legislation that govern the use of their security institution whenever there is the need. To authenticate the mutual understanding document, each state has independently to sign the consent and form that is legally binding to all the set terms and conditions. The governing terms are formed in a sitting with all the representatives from each state, after lengthy considerations, discussion, and approvals. The above mechanism is significant in fostering commitment of various countries to assisting one another during difficult and challenging moments. The establishment of the above institution plays a major role in ensuring respect and adherence to the stipulated legal provisions, with instances of military action in case of non-compliance or instances of coup. Most of the Middle East countries not only face the threat of a terror attack but also that of an internal ‘coup de tat’.6 For instance, Somalia, a country located in the Horn Africa, has its government faced by threat of being overthrown by the Al-Shabaab militia, has constant support from the African Union troops. The above move is necessitated by the membership of the country into the above African movement. Based on the above sentiments, it is evident that the Arab unity will greatly impact on the economy of various country within the Middle East region. The unity of Arab nations would greatly benefit from the formulation of the above police force. As evident in the definition of Arab Unity; Arab states combining forces to an agreed upon cause, each giving out its resources and support for a common cause. Besides the above definition, these states would stand united to acquire the cause’s fruition while maintaining relation and understanding after the cause ceases. The above benefits are likely to be experienced in wider perimeters and scopes, depending on the problems and concerns that each economy faces. It is also certain that much of the Middle East problems accrue from lack of an enforcing body when it comes to issues of international and trans-boundary aggressions. A number of these benefits are as discussed below. Benefits of the Arabs police establishment In view of the increasing threats of transitional crimes in the Middle East, formulation of the above body would greatly reduce or mitigate the above problems to the member states. The criminal propensity in crossing national borders, to involve in transitional crimes, is obviously not a new concept; but as old as the so borders. The underlying factors for the establishment of the borders was to delineate the jurisdictions of each state. Crossing of the national borders has frequently provided criminals with options of to avoid or mitigate the consequences of illegal deeds. In comparison to the previous decades, transnational crime is more prevalent and serious in the present, not only in the Arab Nations but worldwide. Institution of the police organ would massively counter the above issue of transnational crimes. Much of the investments in the global economy, today heavily rely on the stability of the host country or state that one is to invest. The stability has to range down from economic to political stabilities. A well-governed country that is stable in-terms of its economy, frequently have well-established set of governing measures as well as legal frameworks that punish the violators. Middle East countries are characterized by sparks of violence from various militias who do threaten the economies of these potential destinations. Unity of these states is necessary, as the fight against terrorism is a collective responsibility of all the states. Formulation of a common police body would heighten the security levels and ease pursuit of these criminals.7 In addition to the enjoyment of a better security, the Arabs states are likely to benefit from resource mobilization and other infrastructural developments. Various activities are undertaken by the police of law enforcers occasionally make use of various infrastructures ranging from communication to infrastructural. In view of the above collective responsibility, problem-solving is easily enhanced by the use of the different technologies that each state will bring on board. In line with the above sentiment is the provision of additional human workforce, police, to help combat crimes in the various areas of countries in the Arab unity. The above unity will also enhance the trans-boundary unity and enactment of legislation that empowers and protects various democratically elected governments. This move is more likely to faster the justice and judicial procedures. Depending on the set legislation, an individual may be tried in any court of a member country, whenever there is sufficient evident that he or she violated the provisions. Most countries are also more likely to benefit from the joint defense strategy that comes along with such organizations. The above move would be a big boost to the security system within the Arab nation, thus fostering growth and enforcement of the legal system enhanced. Most of the above states are likely to benefit indirectly or directly since the stability of one country does effect the stability in the next country within the Middle East, in most instances. Existing security organizations There are set of laws that were stipulated with the motive of enhancing the Arabs unity in the Middle East region as well as the security. Preparatory conference on Arabs unity was held at Alexandria in October 2012 documenting various possible cooperation between the Arab countries. The Arab leaders seized the opportunity to consolidate wisely on the grounds and opportunities at hand. A following series of conferences, held in Cairo, Egypt, drafted and signed a binding covenant outlining specific institutions that had the mandate of ensuring Arab security organizations. The covenant had well-stipulated procedures and means by which the above broader goal was to be achieved. The following conference at Cairo in February 2013 endorsed the earlier provisions thus granted a go ahead with the implementation processes. However, the implementation process were not successful as it encountered obstacles that revolved more around the lack of cohesion amongst the Arab people. It is argued by various scholars that Arabs lack unity based on two respects.8 On one hand is the massive cultural disparity among the various levels of the world Arabs, and the second notion is based on the ruling cliques in the various Arab countries. Social and economic backwardness of the Arab society also greatly contributed to the absence of implementation. The ethnic division amongst the various Arabs strongly fought against the unity with the claim that it was a mechanism to deprive the underdeveloped states of their resources. Successes of Europol One of the Europol key mandates is to provide the European Union Law enforcers with an endless operational support. The support is effected in necessary areas as well as the instances involving various criminal areas. Below are some of the operational instances in which the Europol has successfully undertaken. In November 2010, Europol assisted the Hungarian and Austrian police in rescuing the victims of sex trafficking as well as bringing to book the organizers of such activities. Europol, through its experts, were able to pick up signals of these criminals, in terms of their location and identities, before liaising with the local police to pursue the criminal. The operation was successful with the rescuing of all the hostages held by the above criminal groups. Europol has not only served in identifying and pursuing criminals, but also using technological advancement to help mitigate and prevent criminal activities before they take place.9 Since their interjection into the European environment, the Europol has constantly alleviated instances of transnational crimes and ensuring protection of hundreds of innocent civilians. Amongst the various areas of their success stories includes, prevention of illegal immigration into other countries, human and drug trafficking, as well as instances of terrorism to the member states. The body has also ensured international understanding and cooperation with the local police networks to make Europe a better environment to invest and seek justice whenever appropriate. The sole advantage, of having a working Arab police force, would be to alleviate instances of insecurity in the member states, through the identification of eradicating instances of fraud and crime. The police force would also enhance ease in seeking for justice since the response time of the police is enhanced. It will also be essential in ensuring the growth of the Middle East economy through the reduction of the criminal activities. Alleviating the criminal gang activities is key to attracting investors to the area, thus creating more opportunities and opening up the Middle East to the rest of the world for trading and ensuring global cooperation. The disadvantage associated with the above move is that the weaker economies are likely to benefit more from the resource sharing techniques and utilization of other country resources. It should be, however, noted that the underdeveloped economies are also likely to suffer from over-exploitation of their resources. Especially in instances where they lack the means and mechanisms to defend their interest due to political instability in these areas. The more enhanced economies are likely to take advantage of the instability situation. In the realization of the broader goals of ensuring sustainable development, it is important to note that most of the global concerns of the world points at collectively responsible and not for a single state. The above sentiments are in view of the dynamic nature of the world and the rapid technological advancements that not only prove valuable but also undermines the international security. Collaboration among various states is critical in strengthening the legal infrastructure and ensuring mutual understanding, not only in Middle East, but also to the rest of the world. References Anabtawi, M. F. (1962). Arab unity in terms of law (Doctoral dissertation, Pasmans). Den Boer, M., & Bruggeman, W. (2007). Shifting gear: Europol in the contemporary policing era. Politique européenne, (3), 77-91. Elie Podeh. (1999). The decline of Arab unity: the rise and fall of the United Arab Republic. Sussex Academic Press. Hopkins, N. S., & Ibrahim, S. E. (Eds.). (1997). Arab society: class, gender, power, and development. American Univ in Cairo Press. Hudson, M. C. (Ed.). (1999). Middle East dilemma: The politics and economics of Arab integration. Columbia University Press. Kienle, E. (1995). Arab Unity Schemes Revisited: Interest, Identity, and Policy in Syria and Egypt. International Journal of Middle East Studies, 27(01), 53-71. Smith, C. D. (2010). Palestine and the Arab-Israeli conflict: [a history with documents] (p. 624). Bedford/St. Martins. Read More