ABSTRACT
The analysis of Arab politics is not different from analysis of politics in any other international regime. However, environment in which Arab politics operates, it is easy to see why there is such a strong correlation between foreign policy and domestic legitimacy. The concept of legitimacy is explored by many different theorists, whereas the thrust of their analyses may differ, they all tend to agree that, in the final analysis, uncoerced acceptance by the citizens of the state makes a government legitimate. However, Arab leader embarks on the hazardous mission of acquiring legitimacy through success and achievements. John Locke, English philosopher, starts with some favourable omens that relate to the apparent susceptibility of Arab populations to the notion of centralised and authoritarian regimes. Islam tends to bestow legitimacy on the centralised structure of political authority in the Arab world. The series of foreign policy 'achievements', regained for President Rifat al-Assad the legitimacy he had lost after Hama in early 1982.
