During a gathering with some Asian, European and American friends and colleagues, we talked about the grave and touching events in #Palestine - events that are probably unprecedented politically and militarily.

Everyone expressed their displeasure and discomfort with the Arabs seeking the help of the US and Europe to solve their problems and heal their wounds. Some thought that the time had come for the Arabs to put their hands together, like any other nation, and solve their problems and disagreements themselves.

Because I believe that the opinions and comments expressed at that gathering were quite important, I wish to convey some of them to the readers.

One of those present said that the Israeli acts in the Palestinian occupied territories such as assassinations, murdering of children, breaching of all beliefs, laws and religions, constituted an attempt to wipe out a whole nation, not only geographically, but probably from history too.

Another friend pointed to the horrible Israeli decision to execute a head of state under the guise and pretext of deporting him from his homeland.

A third friend interrupted to say that at the moment the Israeli decision was announced, it constituted a violation of a president's right to live in dignity and immunity in his country and amongst his people. Actually, it constitutes, as well, a flagrant call to exterminate the Palestinian President, following the ongoing annihilation of his people.

It was my turn to express my opinion. I pointed to the fact that the nature of the Zionist State, since its very early days, had produced nothing but such criminal acts. Consequently, its culture and attitude are restricted to a one-way path that leads only to more crimes.

Another friend, an Asian, said that what he couldn't comprehend, accept or justify, is that prevailing suspicious and disgraceful silence from the rest of the Arabs.

"What does not make sense", he added, "is that many Arab countries - people and rulers - can't even stand to denounce Sharon, who is attempting to crush the Palestinian people and their valiant resistance of the occupation".

We all agreed that the Israeli leadership is attempting, in its devious way, to assassinate the Palestinian people through murdering their leaders one after the other; those leaders who are safeguarding Arab and Muslim honour, and who are protecting this nation from annihilation.

Another friend from Europe said that expelling Arafat, a leader elected legally by his people and who enjoys international legitimacy, is an insult, not only to the Arabs, but also to the whole world. He wondered how Israel dares to take such a decision and why the Arab states continue to turn a blind eye to this serious issue, satisfied by only issuing calls for help and statements of denunciation, or requesting European and US intervention to solve the problem.

Another friend pointed out that America is the supporter, ally and full partner of Israel. So, how could the jailer and executor be asked to be fair to his victim? He added that this applies to the American administration, and not to the American people, as many of them understand the seriousness of the Arab problems, especially the conflict concerning #Palestine. He called on the Arabs to stop their escapism and their reliance on others and to stand as one man in support of the Palestinian people - a matter that they have the capability to do. He also stressed that the appeals made by presidents and officials, requesting Europe or America to interfere were a waste of time. He stressed that neither America, nor Europe would respond, and wondered why some Arabs do not even dare to criticise the US administration; and added how could they ask for help in resulting regional problems, knowing well the extent of the disregard for the Arabs and their cause.

I interrupted, to affirm that supporting the Palestinian cause required a firm resolution that could be taken only by people who strongly believed in the justice of our cause.

One of those present noted sadly:" #Yesterday was #Palestine, today is #Iraq. #Whose turn comes tomorrow?"

I believe that we should cease our appeals that lead us nowhere. Let's rely on ourselves once, for a change, and not seek the help of the West. It is also time to stop relying on the US, which extends unlimited support to our enemy. We are the only party that knows what the solution is, because we know what the deep root of the problem is.