Listen to Sarkozy

Editorial Khaleejtimes : 

28 July 2007

FRENCH President Nicolas Sarkozy made a very significant point in Tripoli, that denying Arab states the right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes carries high risks, even the dreaded "clash of civilisations". Such understanding is rare in a West growing increasingly sceptical of the Middle East relying on energy sources other than oil, therefore it is welcome.

Sarkozy comes across as a man uncomfortable with the status quo. But since such reasoning can bend either way, a judgment on his likely foreign posture would require more miles under his diplomatic belt. As regards the Middle East, however, his position is progressive.

The rest of the West will have trouble disagreeing with his assertion that considering the Arab world "not sensible enough to use civilian nuclear power" will not only anger the latter, but also put strain on the most critical structures in the long fight against extremism. Nuclear energy is the fuel of the coming times, and depriving "the countries of the southern Mediterranean" of the life and blood of the future will have the effect akin to pre-emptive sanctions - fitting treatment only for foes.

There is only so long the world, especially the Middle East, can continue riding on oil supplies. And much rather than revert to the Stone Age once the millions of barrels of black gold unearthed everyday run out, it's best to plan in advance. Therefore, the West's, especially America's discomfort with a nuclear energy run Middle East was cause for growing concern in the region.

To move beyond mere words, Sarkozy extended France's help to Gaddafi's Libya in developing a nuclear reactor to supply drinking water from desalinated sea water. This development augurs well for the Gulf Cooperation Council also, which is pressing for a similar project.

Sarkozy's initiative also fulfils a commitment the West made long before he ascended to the political forefront. Libya can now hold a straight face while appreciating a long-term-binding positive Western response, the supposed reciprocity for ‘coming clean'.
It is time for other powers to realise also that energy is not anybody's to grant or deny. And intense research and development into alternative sources of energy will take centre stage over the next half century as oil wells begin to run dry.

tags: arab  nuclear  technolofy  politics  

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