Moderate Arab countries safety net against interference, hegemony: Derasat Chairman

Manama, Apr. 28 (BNA): Moderate Arab countries are the safety net against external interference and hegemony schemes thanks to their initiatives and practical and effective measures to combat terrorism, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat), Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said. However, Shaikh Abdullah stressed the need for new initiatives and realistic visions through joint efforts driven by scientific research and strategic thinking as a decisive factor in determining future options. He highlighted the need to confront the dangers facing the region as he inaugurated the 2019 Forum "The Role of Research Centers and their Impact on Middle East Policies." Moderate Arab countries have been effective and practical in combating terrorism and defending the nation issues and unity, he said. "Therefore, we were not surprised by the hostile and systematic campaigns that have targeted these countries and attempted to divert them from the implementation of their reform plans and regional efforts, especially as these countries have come a long way in the consolidation of their progress equation that includes security, reform and development," he said. Derasat aims to fulfill its national mission through the annual forum as well as to contribute to the development of a new path of progress and partnership, he added. This includes highlighting the unique and pioneering position of Bahrain as a center for dialogue and understanding as well as a beacon to promote peace, freedoms and peaceful coexistence. "Throughout its history, Bahrain has embodied noble human values and has contributed effectively to just causes. Bahrain aspires to cooperate with all to end the roots of tension and the causes that drain the capabilities of our countries. The Middle East is also witnessing profound challenges and radical transformations. It has become a volatile and unstable arena and the ground for internal conflicts and the spread of the terror epidemic. Chaos and sectarianism have turned into a state-sponsored industry and into an illegal trade for regimes. Our region is facing what we might call as the syndrome of chaos and sabotage, which involves three stages - the penetration of societies, followed by chaos and terrorism, and finally the collapse of national institutions," Shaikh Abdullah said. "The rapid developments in the region led Derasat to launch the Center for Arab Studies as an intellectual and research entity that expresses our identity and values. Ideas and thoughts should be in the service of peace and development through organizing joint events, exchanging knowledge, boosting research cooperation and focusing on the role of research centers in supporting decision-making, enlightenment and public awareness," Shaikh Abdullah said. "We have a common destiny and shared goals. We need to develop thinking patterns and mechanisms of action periodically to improve our present and build our future. This critical stage requires new initiatives and realistic visions to deal effectively with the threats lurking in the region. There is no room for wishes or isolated individual movements and we do need joint efforts driven by scientific research and strategic thinking to determine our future options." The centers of studies and research have an important role in the current confrontation, and they must invest in thought and research to sustain the production of non-traditional visions and approaches, and provide a clear, integrated and forward-looking reading of issues and events, he added. "In this regard, I have the honor to refer to the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on the importance of the concerted efforts of active centers of Arab studies to support the decision-making process and to promote knowledge based on scientific foundations and methodologies. We hope that this forum will be a platform that offers strategic options, creative initiatives and constructive contributions that will shape a better future, enhance crisis prevention opportunities, and enhance collective security maintenance. We will rely heavily on its discussions and the ideas that will be put forward to this end," he said.