johaneriksson.se

Last night I got the opportunity to meet with the Israeli ambassador to Sweden, Mr Benjamin Dagan. He talked at some length about the economic progress in Israel, with their modernised economy, and focused a lot on the relationship with the European Union — traditionally not particularly warm, but getting better. He was optimistic about the coming Czech presidency, and obviously hope for a continuation during the following Swedish, although I would be surprised to see any major swings in the Swedish position.

Although he appeared to want to focus on other things, eventually Mr Dagan had to talk a bit about the security situation, and the ongoing conflicts in the region. Overall he was surprisingly optimistic, having some faith in the current Palestinian leadership’s desire for peace, although their weak institutional capacity makes substantial progress difficult. Still, the Palestinian mood seems favourable, in his view, as does that of many of the Arab countries. More threatening, clearly, is Iran and their effort towards going nuclear.

If he is correct there appears to be a strategic opportunity to get somewhere. Support, at least behind the scenes, from the Arab countries is crucial, and to maintain it we must keep it worthwhile for them to move further in this direction. Their alternative is the Iranian way, and depending on Iranian strength there is a big risk that they will align themselves with it. To my mind — and the European experience support it — trade and economic ties is the key to success. Perhaps here there is a cheap way for the West to assist. My suggestion is this: we open up our markets to the Arab countries (and Israel), on the condition that Israel and the Arab countries lower their trade barriers to each other. This is better than free for us (with us being the EU, and the US) — through lower prices and increased competition — while it may make conflict in the Middle East seem less attractive to those who are still considering it a viable option. Realistic? You decide.

—-

Andra intressanta bloggar om: politik, israel
Technorati Tags: politics, israel