A Twisted Logic

by Lamis Andoni

from: Bitter Lemons (used w/permission).

Despite increased talk about the need to position economic development and democratization in the Arab world as the major priority of intellectual discourse and government policies, the Palestinian cause remains the single most influential factor on Arab political psyche and life. It is not that most Arabs don't view progress and the alleviation of poverty as relevant issues, but that the ongoing impact of the Israel-Arab conflict, particularly the Palestinian issue, on the political, economic, and even routine existence of the Arabs underscores--to varying degrees--the continuing conflict as an obstacle to development and political progress.

While it is true that many Arab leaders have used "commitment to the Palestinian cause" to justify measures ranging from martial law to shutting down dissent and press freedoms, the leaders' fear of popular anger against Israel and acquiescence towards Washington have more often been used to justify governmental oppression. In other words, while public opinion in most Arab countries has always favored increased support for the Palestinians and stronger Arab governmental positions vis-