The Israeli pullout from Gaza topped the US secretary of state's agenda during her whistle stop regional tour. But Darfur, Syria and Lebanon also featured prominently, writes Gamal Nkrumah Even amid a tense and uneasy atmosphere shrouding the Middle East, United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's tour of three of the region's most intractable problem areas demonstrated once again the power and efficacy of the Pax Americana. It was a significant moment. Rice paid visits to Sudan, Lebanon, Israel and the West Bank. It was as if the people of the region sought reassurance that the US is capable of keeping them safe. Washington emerged as chief peace broker and mediator, intervening in such far-flung trouble spots as Beirut and Darfur. Serious questions needed to be asked about the state of the Palestinians and about the future of Sudan and Lebanon. Nothing is more reasonable or predictable than a superpower such as the US utilising its military might, economic clout and political influence to enhance its diplomatic presence in a volatile region. What matters is how that strength is used. Increased influence requires increased responsibility. The US has guaranteed the security of Israel and its military superiority, since the inception of the state. The US must, therefore, encourage Israel to use its power in diplomatic rather than military contests with the Palestinians and with its Arab neighbours. Washington's capacity to project its power is currently viewed as oppressive by Arab public opinion. The Arab world will also need to adapt to new circumstances. Washington insists on trying to introduce US-styled democracy in the Middle East. Her hosts listened to Rice politely as she harped on endlessly about the virtues of democracy. Be that as it may, the main purpose of Rice's Middle Eastern tour was to step up the pressure on all parties concerned with regard to concluding peace deals with their opponents. She was full of praise for the Palestinian Authority (PA), backing the government of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, which managed to persuade more militant Palestinian factions to announce a halt to their attacks on Israeli settlements. The truce tentatively holds, even though there have been occasional clashes over the past few months. "The Palestinians have begun to act," Rice told reporters in Ramallah. Rice also met Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei, Palestinian Foreign Minister Nasser Al-Qidwa and other Palestinian officials for day-long discussions. "These efforts demonstrate the Palestinian leadership's commitment to ensuring security and tracking down those that perpetrate violent attacks that only delay the achievement of a Palestinian state," she declared after emerging from the talks. Rice, who met a wide range of officials and politicians in the region, was determined to see Israel implement its disengagement plan from Gaza. "There are many issues that must be discussed," Abbas said before meeting Rice. "The most important thing is the withdrawal from Gaza, its details and the details after the withdrawal from Gaza," he explained. Palestinian and Arab leaders are concerned about Israel's reluctance to relinquish control over Gaza's port and airport, and the control of border crossings into Israel. They are especially worried that the Israelis might find excuse not to adhere to the scheduled mid-August withdrawal. Rice also met Israeli Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz and Vice Premier Shimon Peres. "First of all we have an agreement with the parties that there needs to be a coordinated effort, a coordinated withdrawal," Rice stressed. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, however, protests too much. He continues to adopt a hawkish and hard-line stance. Indeed, Rice's demands appeared to be measured and clearly stated in comparison with Sharon's ranting. Still, Rice's appeals for moderation merit close scrutiny. Surely, she must understand that the Palestinians are left with unenviable choices. More to the point, what was obvious from Rice's statements is that there are no underlying differences of interest between the US and Israel on the most vital issues and concerns in the Middle East. Minor differences on Israel's proposed disengagement from Gaza aside, the US and Israel remain the closest of allies; the Palestinians and the Arab world at large must continue to live with this fact. Still, Rice stressed that the US does not want to interfere directly in talks between the Palestinians and the Israelis. In Ramallah, Rice met PA Interior Minister Nasser Youssef, who is in charge of the Palestinian security forces to discuss the long- standing Israeli and American demand for the dismantling of the infrastructure of Hamas and Jihad. Washington has called on the PA to clampdown on militant groups such as Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Fatah-affiliated Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades. The PA is already embroiled in internecine fighting with Hamas in Gaza. In Sudan, too, Rice flexed her muscles. Again, she urged moderation and restraint. The trick now is to enforce peace in Darfur and eastern Sudan, and not just in the south of the country. In Lebanon, Rice's agenda was likewise clear. Reluctantly, the US wants to make Hizbullah a vital part of Lebanon's political solution. She also wanted to assess the post-Syrian pullout from Lebanon. She once again insisted that Syrian security and their Lebanese acolytes are kept in check. Rice has a tall order in the Middle East. She claims that the Bush administration is for moderation, democratisation and dialogue, but the onus is now upon her to prove it.
