The communique stated that Arab states "do not accept that a particular pattern of reform be imposed on Arab and Islamic countries from outside." Do we understand correctly? Are the rulers of Saudia and Egypt racists? Are they agreeing with Islam and Arab-bashers that the "Arab mentality" or the Muslim religion are not compatible with democracy? Or are they only providing yet another excuse for why they ought to remain in power?

The communique also reminded everyone (how could we forget?) that there can be no stability in the Middle East without solutions to the Palestinian problem and the problem of Iraq. But there can't be a real solution to the Palestinian problem and the problem of Iraq without democracy. Suppose that all the Arab states, including Bashar Assad's Syria and the Saudi monarchy agree to peace with Israel and sign a document. Who is represented by these signatures, and who will be bound by them? Will the peace last longer then the regimes that signed the treaty?

Ami Isseroff