When we approach problems and issues in the Middle East, we invariably look at the region as a complicated and difficult one. Yet, there is a simple step that could bring greater stability to the region instantly: An end to interference in the domestic affairs of other countries. Indeed, meddling in domestic affairs has been one of the main issues facing the Middle East for far too long. Undoubtedly, the situation has improved since the 1980s when there were many more regimes with active strategies to disrupt, challenge or create instability in neighboring countries, although a discussion on the role of some international NGOs should also be initiated. However, the interference I refer to is the active planning of terrorist actions or similar activities, such as providing financial and logistics support, sending weapons and/or giving refuge to known terror actors. If we do a recap of the countries active in the 1980s, we will mainly find Iran, Iraq, Syria, Libya and to a lesser extent Sudan. The list today has changed. Saddam Hussein and Muammar Qaddafi are figures of the past, and their countries have shifted from being troublemakers to becoming the ground for confrontation. Sudan has also changed. The list is now mainly Iran and Syria. In short, things did not end well for Arab regimes that were involved in regional expansion plans or disruptive policies. Their populations are still paying the price. The non-Arab troublemakers have been left untouched and are still active. Iran is still heavily involved in attacks; the recent tanker strike is a clear example of this impunity. It also still sends weapons and support to the Houthis, Hezbollah and the armed militias in Iraq. Countries such as Iran have been using a so-called resistance leitmotif to justify their nefarious foreign policies toward the Middle East. In reality, it is nothing but an expansionist policy as ugly as every previous version in history. In the greater scheme of things, they have failed in their objective for total control and succeeded only in plunging the weaker links, such as Lebanon, into chaos. Yet, when evaluating their track record, they must realize it is a small, if not puny, reward. They have plunged their economy into the abyss and ignored their population’s well-being just to succeed in creating chaos in Lebanon. Is it worth it? A behemoth potential economy is being destroyed just so Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah can enjoy his Lebanon. What a bad deal for Iran. What I find strange is that Western progressive voices praise Iran and other countries actively engaged in disruptive behavior as resistance fighters or heroes while criticizing Arab countries’ actions. Yet, they also condemn and try to disrupt Arab countries that respect international laws and are focused on their own domestic development programs, expanding their economies and improving their populations’ well-being. It is high time for the region to change and develop a new model that breaks the vicious circle of interference. Arab countries have already moved on. Now is the time for Iran and others to follow. Khaled Abou Zahr Thankfully, as is the case with negative interference, Arab countries no longer engage in this form of blackmail. It is, in fact, the regimes that play the resistance game that seek Western approval and always frame the dialogue in opposition to their neighbors. This shows, if any proof were needed, that there is no resistance, merely rhetoric and a means to an end. A very expensive one, too. Nevertheless, there is an opportunity, albeit slim, for things to change. With the US retreating, it is time to discuss not whether Russia or China will fill the void and how to leverage this situation, but how to develop a new plan to bring stability as well as much-needed economic and social transformation to the region. It should start with two steps: A noninterference pact followed by a trade and investment agreement that will include a massive infrastructure investment plan. First, every country in the Middle East must agree to stop financing, supporting and sheltering groups that seek to destabilize or attack the sovereignty of any other. All networks must be dissolved and groups disarmed. In a prosperous Middle East, there is no place for armed militias threatening and attacking states. There is no reason for their existence. The false narrative of resistance and standing against evil imperialism needs to be dropped as well. The moment these points are agreed, local actors in Yemen, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, and Tunisia will find common ground and put their own countries on the right track. Even Palestinian rights will find a way. The second step is to unlock real opportunities for trade and investment. Our region needs to unlock a massive infrastructure and development plan to prepare us to become a regional platform capable of competing with the rest of the world. This is how and where a better future for all the region will be built. It could also encompass the greater Middle East and Central Asia as both regions have many common characteristics, and broader platforms empower, unlocking bigger markets and drawing larger investments. The domestic progress in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states serves as a clear way forward. On that point, there is a revealing factor. Despite Central Asia’s delicate balance of power between China, Russia and the US/EU, there has been a strong focus on development of trade and investment. Iran and Turkey have good, respectful and prosperous relations with countries in Central Asia. Iran does not finance or support militias there, and has considerate and positive relations with a focus on economic exchange. Maybe it is also because Tehran knows that China or Russia would not tolerate this interference. Yet, one can legitimately ask why not have the same situation in the Middle East? It is high time for the region to change and develop a new model that breaks the vicious circle of interference. Arab countries have already moved on. Now is the time for Iran and others to follow. • Khaled Abou Zahr is CEO of Eurabia, a media and tech company. He is also the editor of Al-Watan Al-Arabi. Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Arab News" point-of-view