Op—Ed: An appeal to the intellectuals

It seems that the intellectuals of the region took a positive stance on the Saudi-Iranian agreement that took place under Chinese auspices recently. Some of them considered this necessary in order to create a state of peace between the two countries, hoping that this would reflect positively on thorny files in Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, and perhaps other countries in the region. Others focused on what that agreement means, in terms of shifts in the global balance of power, marking the birth of a new world order, in which there are many poles, in which the peoples and countries of the region will rest from the system from which they suffered in the past decades, wars, killing and destruction.

An investment in this positive atmosphere that brought about that agreement, and the glimmer of hope that may be built on it. And in light of what is happening from the harbingers that indicate great global changes. And so that the injustice, absurdity and absurdity that humanity witnessed, especially in our region, does not continue. We saw the necessity of making an appeal to the intellectuals of the East. Iranians, Turks, Afghans, Kurds, Amazighs, Arabs, and everyone who sees himself within this circle that is being talked about, to contribute in his role in working to rid his people and the region, from the domination of old and new colonialism, Zionism, and tyranny, and not to be satisfied with the role of observer or analyst of what is happening.

This appeal is addressed to the intellectuals of the region of different intellectual backgrounds and identity affiliations, who are united by their concern for the future of the region and its peoples, and who aspire to freedom, liberation, independence, and free development for their peoples, and equality among them. And those calling for sound and healthy relations between the countries of the region and their citizens, and between their countries among themselves.

The role that intellectuals can and should play will push the political rapprochement, the first steps of which began in some countries in the region, to positions where it is more profound and original, and lead it out of the circle of rapidly changing politics, which is subject to many considerations, to the circle of more culture. lasting, and the strategy most closely related to the real interests of peoples. For rapprochement to become part of the culture of peoples and nations means that we distance it from the "mood" of politics and make it part of the interests and conscience of the masses.

The intellectuals of this region - the East - are invited to an in-depth dialogue on the basis of embracing the great interests that require a consensual, logical and legal solution to the differences between its "natural" states. Starting from the fact that the unity of geostrategy unites interests, or at least brings them closer, transfers problems between the countries of the region, from a state of antagonistic intractability that enemies exploit, to a state of disagreement that should be resolved by consensus, and in the interest of the parties concerned.

The intellectuals of the East are required to search for ways to overcome the "pitfalls" of the past forever, so that it is forbidden to return to it whenever there is a difference between two countries in the region, or between a group of countries. Dealing with the problems of the present should be based on the data of the present itself, and on hopes for the future, and based on truth and common interests. Recalling the past and its problems whenever a dispute occurs between two states is nothing but a "idiotic" response to the nation's enemies. And a recipe for endless internal wars.

Intellectuals must also be convinced, and convince their people, that disagreements should not occur over means if the goal is the same. Ideas, parties, and regimes are nothing but multiple means, and multiple methods, so we must reconcile with the issue of multiple means and options to reach the goal, and stop losing our goals in the midst of fighting over the eligibility of our means.

Intellectuals are the most capable, and they are required to crystallize a project that represents what is common to the peoples of the region, the "East" project, which works to liberate the region, its independence, and its salvation from colonial domination, and is based on a moral human dimension, which preserves the world's material and spiritual balance, and replaces the East from a geography that constitutes a field of conflict. Between the major powers, to a geography of dialogue and the preservation of world peace.
That project defines the higher interests of the peoples of the East, by perpetuating the rapprochement, unity and renaissance of those peoples, or at least, perpetuating awareness of the importance of this, and work is being done to consolidate this in culture and values.

It is also necessary for the project to clarify the organic relationship between the East and Palestine. There is no liberation for Palestine without the East adopting it and fighting for it. There is no East without Palestine, which gives it its meaning, defines its identity, shapes its essence, and charts its future, not only because it is a matter of right on the one hand and injustice on the other hand, and not also because it is a blatant assault and usurpation of the rights of an eastern people, just as it is not due to considerations of the spiritual importance of Palestine, despite their importance, but rather Because Palestine is the most decisive region in the geostrategy of the East, it is an indicator of its liberation or its survival under hegemony. Hence the centrality of the Palestinian cause to his people.

Here lies the importance of the role of intellectuals in highlighting the connection of Palestine with the East and the East with Palestine. From this angle, the position on Palestine and Israel should be understood, and on what is happening in terms of resistance or normalization. It is the position on Palestine that determines the position of the intellectual, or the person in general, or the state, towards the East project in rejecting hegemony, liberation, and freedom of self-determination, or its siding with the other project in which Israel constitutes the region’s rhythm controller, commits all crimes and uses all methods to maintain its control over the region. To maintain its subordination, exploit its wealth, and use it in order to impose its hegemony over it and the world.

This call comes as an investment in an opportunity that we consider "historic", provided by the Saudi-Iranian agreement. It is true that it is still too early to judge the extent of its positive effects on the region, but it undoubtedly opened a gap in the wall of isolation between the peoples and elites of the region, as intellectuals can now For them to talk and discuss in an atmosphere of reassurance, trust, non-treason, and a measure of "harmony" with their countries, the problems of the region, and the conditions for the future they want for their people.

This call for dialogue among the intellectuals of the East seems more realistic now, and it is not an isolated step from the reality and history of the region. Nothing more than words in the air.

Living nations necessarily strive to constantly search for the factors of their strength and unity, and do everything in their power to reject what pushes them towards isolation, fragmentation, weakness, and the appropriate climate for the entry of colonialism. This is what the intellectuals must make their way, and they are also required to create hope, optimism and confidence in the abilities of their people.

The invitation also includes serious cultural institutions in the East, perhaps to sponsor this dialogue and take the initiative, and they will certainly have the honor of participating in the launch of this “East” project, which means its embodiment - that is, the East - in the awareness of peoples who are tired of dependence and humiliation of national dignity. , which seeks to be free and a positive match in the next world order.