The Evening Star FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1946. THE ARAB OUTLOOK.

Evening Star, Issue 25926, 18 October 1946, Page 6

The Evening Star FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1946. THE ARAB OUTLOOK.

In the quest for a solution of the Palestine problem one aspect of the proceedings has been inescapable, * and that is the unanimity of opinion expressed by Arabs,, not only in Palestine, but in all other States. There was a time when the Arab outlook could best be described as parochial, hut of recent years there has been developed a nationalist movement that is becoming a most effective force, with the result that Arabs, no matter whether they have their homes in Palestine, Egypt,lraq, Syria, Lebanon, or the;dozen and one lesser States, now possess an outlook increasingly nationalist, and the whole Arab cause is strengthened . thereby. The necessary first step in developing a progressive •and constructive nationalism is political independence. The Arabs then seek to establish conditions that will solve the problems that lead to social injustices in Western civilisation. One of their trends in this connection is to be indifferent and tolerant in religious matters, and to regard the divergences of sects and religions as harmful to the well-being of the Arab nation.

The nationalist' movement has been in force for many years, but whereas when it was first formed it leaned on Istanbul and. followed the Ottoman lead, to-day it looks definitely to the Westj but follows the West less wholeheartedly because it doubts the true value of its civilisation. What is sought is perhaps something based on Western ideas and ideals, but certainly something that will be essentially Arabic, giving the nation its own unified individuality. The establishment of the Arab League was regarded as A step in the right; direction, but it is not considered as the final form of union. Its purpose, as an Arab cor-, respondent writes in ‘ The Times,’ is regarded as primarily negative, to cheek any tendency towards disunion, but it is generally believed . that a closer union, at* least between certain of the 'Arab States, must be created sooner or later. At least there should he a complete unification of systems of law, currency, communications, tariffs, and education. It is generally felt that, Arab unity .will, not be complete until the Arab League includes all the Arab countries. The entry of several Arab States into the United Nations has made those States less willing to compromise in regard to the independence of other Arab countries, and their voice Ijas been determined in referring to the problems of Libya and other North African areas. Those States that are members of U.N.O. are realising the influence they can wield if they form a solid bloc, and there can be no, doubt how this influence will be used in defence of Arabs in Palestine and North Africa; The Arabs, too, are'paying particular attention to outside relations. They see an attraction in, agreements with Russia, but there is still a widespread feeling that Britain, who has been so closely allied, with Arab affairs, can still give much in the reconstruction of the Arab community; against this is a suspicion of Britain’s political motives, particularly in regard to Palestine. This suspicion was deepened, by the presentation and apparent British acceptance of the Anglo-American Commission’s report. At the hack of it all it would seem that Britain has not fully appreciated the extent of the change in the spirit; and ideas of the Arab nationalist movement since its first inception, and for success of her policy she will need to do so.