The 34th Arab Summit is convening in Baghdad, a city that has been seeking to reaffirm its place in the Arab world after years of conflict, including the American-led invasion and subsequent internal strife.

The summit arrives at a pivotal moment, marked by escalating geopolitical tensions and crises that have burdened the Arab region, exposing it to external interventions and resource exploitation.

Palestine remains a central issue, having been the core motivation behind the establishment of the Arab League in March 1945, prior to the formation of the United Nations.

Despite the ongoing Israeli occupation, the Arab League has consistently maintained the Palestinian cause as a priority, with the situation intensifying over the last two years and leading to widespread violence.

In addition to the Palestinian issue, regional conflicts continue to proliferate, including wars in Sudan, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, and Libya, often fueled by external powers intervening under the pretext of combating terrorism.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed a significant influence over the Middle East, suggesting a comprehensive restructuring of the region, a statement that has raised concerns regarding the implications for Arab territorial integrity.

In this context, the upcoming summit in Baghdad provides an opportunity for Arab leaders to respond collectively to such assertions, emphasizing the necessity for unified action in the realm of Arab national security, economic cooperation, and scientific collaboration.

The summit will also highlight the importance of respecting the sovereignty of individual Arab states and countering the proliferation of militias outside the bounds of state authority.

The historical challenges facing the Arab world, evidenced by ongoing turmoil and the disruptive presence of non-Arab powers, underscore the urgency for cohesive regional cooperation.

Key issues on the summit's agenda include the resolution of the Palestinian conflict, which leaders emphasize must be prioritized to ensure regional stability, as a just solution is viewed as crucial to global tranquility.

An emphasis on economic collaboration is also expected, with previous Arab summits proposing various initiatives that have yet to be fully realized.

Discussions surrounding economic integration are increasingly relevant, particularly as the global trade landscape shifts in response to recent U.S. policy changes during the Biden administration.

This summit represents a significant moment for Iraq, allowing for renewed integration into the Arab context and offering a platform for unified Arabic dialogue amid a complex and rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.