“UNITED we stand, divided we fall” is a phrase that political orators from Benjamin Franklin to Abraham Lincoln have often used during national crises. These leaders knew how a threatening disaster could be overcome by the power of a united people. So oft-repeated is this phrase – from schools to universities, unions to political parties, and states to nations – that the word cliche would be an understatement. Yet this cliche has been sadly forgotten in the Arab world for many years. However, in a clear break with the past, Arab leaders have done what most of the world's political leaders have failed to do, which can most aptly be described by another cliche, namely, “Actions speak louder than words.” The visit of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, to Syria is the first embarked upon by an Arab leader since the assassination of Lebanon's Premier Rafiq Hariri in 2005. It marks a new era in relations between Syria and Saudi Arabia that will most certainly define Syria's relations with rest of the Arab world as well. Saudi Arabia's keenness to break the ice with Syria through negotiations and diplomatic overtures for achieving the larger good in the Middle East has seen Syrian President Bashar Al-Asad meeting with King Abdullah three times over the last two years. Diplomats of both countries deserve praise and admiration for their dedication and sincerity that eventually resulted in this historic visit. The timing could not more perfect, as celebrations are underway in Syria for the anniversary of the 1973 October War, a war that is definitely a reminder to the Arabs of what unity can achieve. Observers have already expressed high hopes of what this visit might achieve. Could this be the beginning of a collective effort to tackle issues that hurt us all? Could this be the birth of a united body that results in the One Ummah that we have all been dreaming about? We definitely hope so. __
