A Leap of Understanding Interdependence is the name of the game, the most important aspect of international relations regardless of the size or strength of the countries involved. Egyptian-American relations are a case in point. Such relations are founded on cooperation and partnership despite occasional disagreements, which are usually contained by dialogue. Relations between nations are a two way street, which means that each party has the right to maintain a position compatible with its individual national interests and cultural profile. Thus Egyptian-American relations accommodate both Washington's bias towards Israel and Egypt's own regional commitments.
Any equitable relationship involves the mutual recognition of each party's right to be different.
The gap between such different cultural traditions necessitates that strenuous efforts be made to facilitate a greater understanding of the positions and motives of the other, and in so doing to counteract the influence of the Jewish lobby. The Egyptian-American partnership confirms that regional cooperation is no longer a game that can have winners and losers. Everyone must be a winner, though to achieve this we have some way to go in reinforcing levels of mutual understanding. The writer is Al-Sayed Elewa, Professor of Political Science at Helwan University.