First Arab-EU summit fraught with challenges
Taleb Ibrahim
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Editor's note: Dr. Taleb Ibrahim is a political analyst based in Damascus in Syria. The article reflects the author's view, and not necessarily those of CGTN.
Relations between Europe and the Arab world is very old. It is a multi-faceted relationship that spans cultural, economic, historical and political arenas. Today, both sides are facing a lot of problems, such as illegal immigration, terrorism, economic challenges and environmental contamination in the Mediterranean sea.
American policies in the Trump era have brought them some additional challenges which Europeans are deeply disappointed by. Meanwhile, Arabs are not allied concerning the most pressing issues facing them. Following a meeting in Vienna later last year, the two sides decided to hold the first Arab –EU summit this month. However, at the moment, there are plenty of issues plaguing the two sides.
High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini (C) poses with ministers for a family photograph during the European Union-Leagues Arab States (LAS) ministerial meeting at the EU headquarters in Brussels, on February 4, 2019. /VCG Photo

High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini (C) poses with ministers for a family photograph during the European Union-Leagues Arab States (LAS) ministerial meeting at the EU headquarters in Brussels, on February 4, 2019. /VCG Photo

For example, the EU is facing structural problems. The UK is soon to be out of the European Union, and the future of some other countries, France for instance, is not clear due to domestic unrest. Moreover, the NATO (which was the American–European security frame) is facing a “dim if not dismal future.”
Europeans can hardly sort out their own issues, let alone helping the fragmented Arab world. For the latter, the picture looks a bit bleak as well as some of them are considered failed states, such as Somalia, Syria, Libya, Sudan.  
The most critical problems for their long-term cooperation can be summarized as below:
First of all, look at the representation of some Arabic countries like Syria, Sudan and Libya. In terms of Syria, EU leaders cannot sit on the same table with President Assad, for well-known reasons. And Sudanese Bashir is not welcomed either, as he is wanted by the international criminal court. Moreover, no one can decide which is the legitimized power that should represent Libya.
Second, some of the other Arab countries, who are supposed to have good relations with the EU, are not welcomed either, such as Saudi crown prince who is suspected to be the real killer of Jamal Khashoggi. So it is more probable that King Salman will attend the summit instead of the crown prince.
The family photo session of the conference on "Supporting the future of Syria and the region" at EU Council headquarters in Brussels, Belgium,‍ April 25, 2018. /VCG Photo

The family photo session of the conference on "Supporting the future of Syria and the region" at EU Council headquarters in Brussels, Belgium,‍ April 25, 2018. /VCG Photo

Third, Saudis are not happy because of the good European- Iranian relations; they want to see Europeans withdraw from the Nuclear agreement with Iran.
Fourth, some Arab countries want to see a European position which is not consistent with American position on the Jerusalem issue, and on the final resolution of the Israeli- Palestinian conflict. 
Both Europeans and Arab leaders know that the Syrian Assad could win the war inside his country, and, if they want to fight terrorism, they have to cooperate with him. Therefore, the isolation of Assad is senseless. But talking to him is a real problem, especially for those who said that he must step down, now it is the time of truth for both sides to work with the legitimate authority in Syria, and with president Assad personally if they want to stop the illegal migration, and to guarantee the return of the Syrian refugees to their homeland.
The Saudi policy uncovered Europeans' hypocrisy. While they are unable to do anything with Saudis concerning their anti-humanity crimes in Yemen, and the violation of human rights inside Saudi Arabia, the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi, they are launching their missiles to strike the Syria army sites because of (the suspected chemical attacks).
As European countries find it hard to tackle their relations with their friends and enemies in the Arab world, it may not be a very good idea to hold such a meeting, at the moment. As some Europeans said, this summit has been very difficult to organize, and nobody really wants it.
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