WITH the concept of free trade characterizing the early 21st century, there is a trend of nations banding together into trade blocs, both to bolster trade among themselves and to establish a profitably united presence on the international trade scene. Such a united trade presence can easily translate into political influence, as well. The Arab countries have long struggled to present a united front to the world, both economically and politically. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has been largely successful at merging the concerns of the oil-producing Arab countries centered around the Arabian Gulf. The Arab League, though successful in bringing together the leaders of Arab countries whose interests are, at times, more diverse than those of GCC members, travels a slightly bumpier road as the economic exigencies of countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Sudan and Libya are quite varied. It is an underlying sense of “Arab-ness” that bonds its members. Saudi Arabia has been generous in supporting those Arab neighbors not so blessed with an abundance of oil reserves. But while economic support in the form of aid fosters goodwill, mutually beneficial business relations go much further in fostering interdependence, common values and common goals - all of which translates into more influence on the geopolitical stage. The recently concluded 13th Arab Conference for the Heads of Immigration and Passports Authorities in Tunisia has taken a tiny, if significant, step towards more firmly uniting the interests of the Arab countries. A recommendation emerged from the conference to form a committee of representatives to examine the possibility of issuing an all-Arab-countries visa for businessmen. The stated purpose would be to take the hassle out of travel and business for Arab businessmen. We will reserve comment on what appears to be a burdensome, multi-stage approach to the idea and firmly embrace the concept. If the Arab countries are not willing to do everything possible to facilitate trade of all kinds among themselves, it is difficult to see how they can present a truly united approach to both regional and extra-regional issues. The introduction of an all-Arabs-countries visa for Arab businessmen would be just one further step towards unifying much of the Mideast and parts of northern Africa into a block of influence with which the world would have to reckon, possibly soon. __
