Arab stance on Iraq logical

More and more countries have stated their objection to any U.S. plans to attack Iraq. Nevertheless, the U.S. apparently has not abandoned such plans. U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney visited the Middle East to try and convince Arab countries to back a U.S. attack on Iraq.

A potential U.S. attack of Iraq has aroused much argument. Some countries were annoyed by U.S. President George W. Bush's statement in January, referring to Iran, Iraq and North Korea as an "axis of evil". The statement increased tension and incited protests from the three countries.

U.S. arguments for an attack on Iraq have aroused controversy. For Arab countries in particular, the Iraq issue is less urgent than the Israel-Palestine conflict. Putting an end to this conflict is seen as far more urgent.

It seems that Israel is at a loss about what to do in the face of Palestinian actions. With the support of jet fighters and armored vehicles, Israel usually is able to curb every Palestinian move. But the activities of the intifadah movement, which consists of Palestinian youth, have entered their second year.

Israel also is troubled by the rising intensity of suicide bombings, which have involved not only male but also female attackers.

It is logical, therefore, that Arab countries see the Israel- Palestine conflict as a far more serious problem than Iraq, and one that requires an immediate solution. It really would be seen as excessive to attack Iraq, which was shattered in the Gulf War.

-- Kompas, Jakarta