Is there Arab unity? Should there be Arab unity? What basis is required for Arab unity?

Question

In my last question it was pointed out to me that there is a diversity of Arab cultures and ideologies. So then what are the aspects of commonality? Should there be Arab unity in either religion, economics, or culture? What degree of Arab unity already exists? What is needed to improve Arab unity?

Answer 1

...wow there Dave that's a whole lot of Q's....I'll answer the last.

...they need to develop a more competitive nature...without death.They don't exactly spend their weekends seeking out a game of cards or pool....anything that would allow them freedom of thought away from their tainted ritualistic lives.

...no fun...no life.

Answer 2

Arab unity is needed to protect their religion, culture and territory so that they will have a distinct identity.

Answer 3

Arabs are only a small part of the Muslim world and even among them they see their Tribe as more important than their "Arabness".

Many leaders have dreamed of uniting all Arabs, much less all Muslims, under a single banner, but with a bewildering array of religious sects (many who view others as worse than non-Muslims) and an even more complex array of tribes, only a unifying Enemy that threatens all of them could unite them in any way.

Unfortunately Bush is determined to be that Unifying Enemy that will create a threat to America they desire to give them power. In this Bush and Bin Laden are determined allies.

Answer 4

arab unity = hate jews, take back Jerusalem

Answer 5

What would be required is for them to stop killing each other over idealogical differences. I don't know if there could ever be a basis for commonality. Sad but true.

Answer 6

There is currently no Arab unity except insofar as there is talk about such a thing.

Should there be?  I am not sure they would accomplish much in a positive direction if they could achieve a degree of unity.  Just like politicians all over the world, they spend most of their time squabbling over small things, and getting absolutely nothing done.

Genetics is a poor excuse for commonality, but sharing a geographical region of our planet is a better basis for having shared concerns.  Problem is, that view presupposes that people care more about solving the logistical and economic problems posed by their region than being from different sects, or having different views on politics, or resenting the previous wars.  

In my very inexpert opinion, the disunity will continue for a long time because (and these comments do not apply equally among all Arab countries,)

1. the Arab world is much more focused on the issues that divide them. (Differing sects, past wars, etc.)

2. they do not want to focus on the issues that really unite them, and need resolution, such as the corruption that exists in Arab states, the over-dependence on religion for education and answers, the prevalence of fundamentalism, the lack of a transparent justice system, lack of a free media, and the resistance to full integration for half of their human resources (ie, women.)

3. therefore they intentionally focus on other things that can provide some sort of explanation for their current situation - ie, it is the presence of the Jews, or interference of America, or conspiracies against them, or some such.

When the name-calling and finger-pointing stops, and they choose to focus on their true common concerns, they will find it easier to unite.

Answer 7

The only thing Arabs are united in is their idea that everyone else is inferior, especially if they are not Muslims. Other than that we can daily read or hear about them cheerfully blowing each other up. Irak. Lebanon, the west bank of Palestine and on and on. It would be nice if there were some kind of political unity, but - it may take a few hundred years more.

Answer 8

Here's a thought:  If all people of Arab descent would walk toward Israel, together in a huge group of millions, they would trample the country.  No trillion dollar checks from the US would stop them; nor would any high-tech jets or weapons.  They could just walk, slowly, and crush the tiny county of Israel.

Fortunately this will never happen.  As has been shown for thousands of years, they are too busy with their infighting to form a common bond, even one that would supposedly benefit them all.  Their greed, even as it cripples them and destroys their own people, prevails.  Thank goodness.

Answer 9

I'll answer your questions in order.

It's ironic that Osama is Arabian by birth.

Peace is difficult and I know it will never happen.

For 5,000 years they feel fighting is the answer for peace or control.

There is no unity whatsoever in Middle East. They need to stop fighting and realize that the Garden of Eden started in their region and that it hurts God to see this destruction in his first creation

Answer 10

They are united, but only in words not in action. Arabs are united in condemning Israel  but hesitant to fight against it. In 1967 six day war, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan al attacked Israel but they got a humiliating defeat because naturally, they are squabbling among themselves..The Arab League are composed of most Arab countries with no clear political agenda whenever they meet, nothing makes them united, not their faith nor ideology.