By WAM
Dubai : Israel continues to disturb delicate regional balance as it goes ahead with its biggest war-games ever, simulating nationwide response manoeuvres to potential attack by its neighbours, a UAE paper commented Tuesday.
”Arab capitals are justified in fearing fresh friction just as international efforts to promote peace lose steam even though Israel falls on characteristic rhetoric to defend the simulation which may well live up to its name in the regional context – Turning Point, ” wrote the Khaleej Times in Dubai.
In its today’s editorial, the paper said :”In truth, Israel has been on the lookout for military engagement ever since its fabled military might was rubbished during the summer of ?06 skirmishes with Hezbollah.
”Swallowing pride left deep scars on the arrogant regional power, which has not lost a single opportunity to keep Arab sentiment provoked enough to justify use of force. Even after Israel?s leadership shook hands at photo ops following the Annapolis peace meeting, Tel Aviv resorted to expanding settlements and increasing the choke on Gaza while news commentaries were still praising peace efforts.
Therefore, the paper indicated, Olmert?s office should be the least surprised if nobody, including its allies, will accept its assurances regarding the war-games at face value.
”Adding to the tension is the eerie silence from all-seeing Washington following the unwinding of Annapolis. As feared all along, outgoing President Bush has apparently given up designs of painting his legacy in colours reflecting success in the Middle East after more than half a century of deadlock, something far better statesmen have attempted and failed at.
”If Israel continues to push its limits, which seems imminent, it might be in for a sterner lesson than ?06 when popular opinion was split. Arabs will no longer tolerate unwarranted military adventures even if Washington puts its weight behind Tel Aviv?s pushes. Already, American failures have made living hell out of Iraq, threaten war in Iran, do not allow for diplomatic breakthrough with Syria and have Lebanon hanging by the skin of its teeth with no end in sight.
”Surely there are no two opinions about what will follow if Israel displays incredible immaturity and commences with the military alternative.
”Perhaps Arab capitals should look at the silver lining on the cloud. Despite numerous assaults on their supposed combined positions, they have yet to come out as one solid block that any entity would think twice before angering.
According to the paper,the present buildup provides for the best opportunity to leverage for just such an end. Even if the present tension subsides, some similar worry will present itself somewhere down the road so long as internal schisms remain.
”For the good of Arab outlook and the wellbeing of their people, Arab leaders are urged to become one. Irritants like Israeli military exercises would assume less prominent status then,”it concluded.