generalspeaking

Following are excerpts from an interview with Iraqi writer Nijm Wali, which aired on Al-Jazeera TV on June 2, 2009:

To view this clip on MEMRI TV, visit http://www.memritv.org/clip/en/2157.htm.

"Normalizing [Relations with Israel]... Is An Historical Necessity For Us Arabs"

Nijm Wali: "I believe that normalizing [relations with Israel] is a cultural necessity for us, and it is the answer to all those who talk about a clash of civilizations. It is an historical necessity for us Arabs in particular, because it will take us to a new stage - a stage that will transcend the eternal conflict with Israel, and in which we will form new relations with the world.

"The eternal conflict with Israel has brought us nothing but material losses and loss of human life, as well as a chronic sense of defeat. The common Arab citizen feels that he is being defeated by this tiny country, Israel, which numbers only six or seven million, while the Arab world numbers 300 million.

"The way to deal with this feeling should be through normalization. As you said at the beginning of this show, this is what the Islamic countries understood, long before the Arabs. The historical ties of Turkey, Malaysia, and Indonesia with Israel have gone beyond mere normalization. Turkey, Syria's partner and the mediator in the indirect talks [with Israel], has a strategic, military alliance with Israel."

"The Notion That Prevails in the Public Discourse Is That Normalization is a Trap For Us"

"But I'm sad to say that the notion that prevails in the public discourse is that normalization is a trap for us, a deception. This notion will lead us to more defeats and battles, and the loss of more human lives. Look at other Islamic states, like Indonesia and Turkey. Not only are these countries international powers, which are even accepted as mediators, but they are also economic powers. Like the 'Asian Tigers,' they did not involve themselves in a daily conflict with a small country. This question has constantly made me wonder, even as a little boy: Why is this tiny state able to defeat us, even though we are 300 million? The problem lies with us. We have to think for ourselves, and build..."

Interviewer: "So the solution to this problem is normalization with this country?"

Nijm Wali: "In my opinion, normalization is the first solution, so we can devote ourselves to economic prosperity. Economy is the problem in the world today."

Interviewer: "Egypt normalized its relations with Israel some 25 years ago or more."

Nijm Wali: "And indeed, it regained the Sinai."

Interviewer: "But how did it benefit economically? Egypt's economic growth is less than zero."

Nijm Wali: "Why don't you ask the following question: Sinai was occupied, and Egypt regained it..."

Interviewer: "What has Egypt achieved since the normalization?"

Nijm Wali: "Let's ask a different question: How many casualties has Egypt suffered since normalization? Egypt has not suffered casualties like it did in the past." [...]

"The Jews Are No Foreigners Here - They've Lived In The Region... Throughout Islamic History"

"What I am saying is that this nation has to coexist in peace."

Interviewer: "The Islamic nation?"

Nijm Wali: "Yes, and especially the Arab nation, which is part of the Islamic nation. I consider it a historical necessity. In addition, peaceful coexistence - let's put aside the issue of Zionism... The Jews are no foreigners here. They've lived in the region for many years, throughout Islamic history. Even in terms of race, ethnicity, and history - they are our cousins. They lived for many years in the Arab Peninsula, in Iraq, and everywhere. We have to benefit from their experience in building a state."