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There is no question that in order for Iraq to stand as a unified, peaceful and stable country, it will need the assistance of Arab countries so that it is able to move forward. Without this support system the nation would continue to live in violence and chaos.
The hesitance of Arab countries, especially in the Gulf, to open diplomatic missions in Baghdad is valid and based on reasonable doubts. It is no secret that the security situation still lacks measures that would ensure the safety of any Arab diplomatic mission there. In a recent meeting, Gulf states and Egypt have pledged to Iraq to look into the issue.
The drive has also seen a push by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. "The neighbours could do more to live up to their obligations because I do believe the Iraqis are beginning to live up to theirs.... But clearly the [Iraqi] prime minister has laid down some ground rules which any functioning democratic state would insist upon," she said.
It is one thing that Iraq expresses its need for assistance from its neighbours for it is an integral part of the region. Arab countries - and more so Iraq's neighbours - are obliged to be active in the rebuilding process and in enabling the country to take the right steps towards nation-building.
But it is a completely different matter when the US forces its agenda on Arab countries to follow and pursue what it deems necessary for Iraq.
Rice's pressure on some countries is not only unjustifiable but also unwelcome. It is not her place to decide or dictate how Arab countries are to aid Iraq. In fact, Arab countries are cautious simply because they know very well that they are dealing with an instability that is created by an occupation.
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