NATO foreign ministers held unprecedented talks with ministers from Israel and six Arab countries on Wednesday as part of the alliance’s bid to improve its ‘image and ties’ in the region. The talks which took place over dinner are part of a new campaign by the North Atlantic alliance to overcome suspicions, and “coincide with wider US-led moves to promote political, economical and social reforms” in the Middle East and north Africa.

“Following the end of the Cold War, NATO has sought to bolster its presence in the broader Middle East. But the results have been patchy, with many in the Arab world regarding it as a U.S.-dominated organization intent on interfering.” Reuters described as motives for this meeting.

Ironically enough, the countries invited were Algeria, Egypt, Mauritania, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia and Israel. Basically Jordan and Israel, the only allies of America in the Middle East, were the only two countries representing at this bid to improve the image of NATO and gain it some credibility through reaffirming that it is not a US-led movement or organization. Countries with greater interest, force and influence in the Middle East such as Syria and Saudi Arabia were not invited, robbing the initiative from a legitimate mandate while casting doubts on NATO’s methods and intentions when it comes to gaining credibility in the region.

It is well known that the Middle East problems stem from Israel’s ongoing occupation of Palestinian land, against international law, resolutions and wishes. While the world is busy dealing with the symptoms they continue to ignore the disease, as Toni Blair PM of Great Britain is recently repeatedly arguing. No doubt, terrorism is a global problem which should be fought by every country and with coordination and unity. Yet many point to state-terrorism and occupation as some of the main causes of despair and mistrust when it comes to the US-led coalition and its intentions.

One standard should be applied for all. When a country, Israel, is in violation of international norms and is the sole cause of instability and mistrust towards NATO policies, then NATO country members should apply some pressure to deal with the mistrust resulting from a historical injustice and bias, for or, against a nation.

Coalitions can have many discussions and form different alliances, following through on different recommendations. Without dealing with the root of the problem and showing true intentions for justice and the restoration of freedom and basic human rights for the Palestinians, NATO will continue to be regarded as an American dominated body which upholds the interests of its allies.

A stance with justice and an end to the Israeli occupation, an evenhanded mediation and a fair solution that guarantees peace, would be a far better way for NATO to “improve its image and ties in the region” as desired.