(New York Times) Editorial - The abrupt and indefinite postponement of the Arab League summit meeting in Tunis last weekend was a more eloquent statement about Arab politics than any proclamation that might have come from the gathering. The rulers-for-life who gather at these extravaganzas usually produce grand declarations that are quickly forgotten. This time, under pressure from the Bush administration and from domestic dissidents to get serious about democracy, the Arab potentates were unable to agree even on a way to mark time. The Arab world's need to defy Washington and revile Israel is not a valid excuse to perpetuate medieval autocracies and repressive dictatorships.
2004-04-02 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive