Qatar should stop testing GCC’s patience

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have made history by taking a lead in the performance index at the regional and international levels. It was the unity among countries and stability within that contributed to the growth of these countries over the past 20 years, especially in an era of globalisation, scientific revolution and technology. Being homogeneous in their systems and political regime, the GCC countries have surged ahead. And that has happened because of concerted efforts, focused approach and ability to rise above ideologies as is mentioned by Dr AbdulKhaleq Abdulla in his book written in Arabic, The Gulf ’s Defining Moment in Modern Arab History.

The book traces the rise of the GCC countries, their powerful influence and stability both economically and politically. These states, home to strong media institutions, have also grown culturally to reach a level of hosting large book fairs of international repute. In fact, the soft power displayed by the countries has played a major role in enabling the GCC states to occupy a premier position not just in the Arab region, but also in the world. At the same time, neighbouring countries grappling with domestic conflicts have been lagging, suffering backlashes.

But, today, the GCC is at the crossroads with a rift among the states. The Council had in April 2014 agreed to adopt a uniform foreign and security policy provided that such an agreement would not affect the interests, security and stability of the member countries. The countries have even engaged in a real military exercises, like in the case of Yemen, to maintain the security of the Arabian Peninsula and to keep Iran at arm’s length. The Council recognised that it is every country’s sovereign right to have its own policies — both domestic and foreign provided one’s national policies do not harm the other. And adopting different future visions for the country and the region is a given, something that the GCC did not ignore. The Council also maintained that it is not in the interest of any country to get entangled in the domestic conflicts of another.

Unfortunately, Qatar has been going off tangent by entering into bilateral alliances with enemies of the region and getting close to a belligerent Iran which has been working to destroy the Arab region.

Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain have been extremely patient with Qatar and been urging it to end ties with Iran.

In fact, the strong Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Bahrain coalition has paid off. But will Qatar get back to the Arab fold? Doors are open, but will Qatar give up its destructive ideological ally for a comeback? It is in Qatar’s interest to stop this aggressive behaviour. And it is time all nations get back together. The earlier it is done, the better since it affects the future of all countries in the region.

The Council maintains that it is not in the interest of any country to get entangled in the domestic conflicts of others.