How does the Saudi-sponsored Arab Peace Initiative stand up to the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty?
The Arab Peace Initiative is realistic in the same way that Sadat was realistic – Israel is a fact of life. But the Saudi-sponsored initiative differs in that it calls for a comprehensive settlement. Sadat would have also preferred that but he was ready to settle for a bilateral agreement when it became clear that was the only choice. In your opinion, who benefited the most from the peace treaty? Egypt – by ending the cycle of war with Israel; or Israel – by neutralising a major Arab country? They both benefited, but probably Israel benefited more. Both countries maintain diplomatic relations but little to no social, cultural, or economic ties. Why have both countries been unable to build their relations? It has been good for those who crafted it – Israel, Egypt and the United States. Without it, there would have been more costly wars. But, no doubt, others in the region felt let down; the myth that Egypt would somehow lead the Arab world to the liberation of Palestine and the achievem
